bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Future of Consumption
Authors: Sargsyan Karine
Published: September 2023

The development of the Internet and the ubiquitous technologization of retail have become one of the fundamental driving forces transforming the whole picture of the world. Changing the essence of the product—changing retail and changing end users’ expectations and novel comprehensive real world are affecting customers online behavior, where and exactly how they choose and buy, and the very concept of a product. The new paradigm of the customer journey, that very “relationship” with the customer, provides a wealth of opportunities to justify the value of their product. Technology will not only facilitate convenient and fast shopping but increasingly satisfy the customer’s curiosity inclined to experiment with new products. The source of these metamorphoses will be the solutions of the future: predictive analysis, processing, and collection of big data, virtual, and augmented reality; machine vision; cashless experience; intelligent loyalty programs; a unified shopping experience in all channels; possible content distribution; built ecosystems; speech technologies; blockchain; and many other solutions that seem to us still a curiosity, but this is already a wonderful present, which is actively used by many.
Future of Families
Authors: Sargsyan Karine
Published: September 2023

The generally accepted standard conception of the family today tends to look like this: a man and a woman (greater acceptance if same race, same religion, and similar age), hopefully with a sound mind and a strong body, are getting married (mainly in a publicly staged spectacle called wedding). How will the family change in the future? What about multigenerational families or families without children? How will the concept of family change? Are marriages with robots and the artificial upbringing of children the future? Will traditional values still exist, and how will the perception of “family” change in the foreseeable future? And what about marriages of love and marriages of convenience?
Future of Learning and Education
Authors: Varghese Sangeeth
Published: September 2023

According to “A Scorecard for Humanity,” a report from the Copenhagen Consensus Center, our world gains every time an individual is educated, and our world pays a price when people go illiterate. In the future, those regions and nations of the world that manage to educate its people would gain, whereas those that do not pay much attention to this crucial aspect would continue to suffer losses, hidden in plain sight. Hence, by 2050, we suggest that though the world would have made tremendous progress in basic education, illiteracy would persist with almost 500 million uneducated in the world. Illiteracy shall be most concentrated in the regions of Africa and South Asia, whereas most other nations would move toward a total eradication. However, there would also be a systemic change in the higher education sector across the globe, as the age cohort of 18 to 24 years in Europe would shrink, but in South Asia and Africa, this would continue to grow. There would also be a disruption of the current pedagogic and regimental learning systems toward flatter, flexible, and open systems based on research in learning sciences. Technology would also come by to play a larger role, where education would be driven by artificial intelligence (AI) and big data—resulting in complete personalization of curriculum and methodology focusing on each individual's minute needs.
Future of Climate Change
Authors: Varghese Sangeeth
Published: September 2023

Climate change and global warming are civilizational threats to human existence on Earth and need to be addressed immediately. The impacts of climate change are bound to be widespread, impacting every part of human life and the planet’s functioning. Climate change disbalances global climate systems by altering pressure areas, temperatures and wind patterns which has many knock-on effects for climactic conditions and weather patterns across the world. In this book, we are predicting that global warming will most likely be limited to 1.5 °C with a less than 30% chance of overshooting this target. The warming will continue at 0.1–0.3 °C per decade in the next three decades, with the optimum target being 1 °C. The pathway to 1.5 °C warming is one of net-zero emissions by 2050–2055. This makes it necessary for widespread adoption of clean energy through electricity, much higher adoption of electrical vehicles, massive progress in clean energy technology like storage and transportation and mass adoption of carbon capture and use systems. However, 6% of insects, 8% of plants and 4% of vertebrates are predicted to lose their ecosystems and possibly go extinct or have to evolve rapidly. Large-scale climate migration is quite likely with an estimated 216 million people across the world becoming internal climate migrants. The worst affected regions will be North Africa, Sub-Saharan Africa, South Asia and the Pacific.
Future of Transportation
Authors: Landesz Tamás , Sargsyan Karine
Published: September 2023

What will the transport of the future look like? If we think about it, several pictures from science fantasy and Hollywood films appear in our minds. The ideas like flying taxis, uncrewed cars, and flights to other planets are some, but what fantastic ideas may become a reality?

Over the next three decades technological improvements will radically transform the way we are transported today. More people will be living in urban areas, demanding clean energy. Electric vehicles using clean energy for charging will be widespread; we will be driving on smart highways and road systems. Hyperloops and high-speed trains will provide viable alternatives to the current airplane flights. For intercontinental travel we will see the development of point-to-point suborbital flights.
Postdigital Participation in Education: An Introduction
Authors: Weich Andreas , Macgilchrist Felicitas
Published: September 2023

In their introduction, the editors explore the complexities and contexts around the ambiguous term “postdigital,” particularly the “messy” entanglements of the digital and analog, material and symbolic, technology and sociality that it encompasses. The editors also introduce the concept of media constellations as the interwoven relationalities at the heart of a postdigital society whose “post” does not mean “overcome” but rather that digitality has become part of complex, everyday interrelationships and correlations. With its particular interest in participation, the book’s introduction lays out how participating in the “postdigital condition” is tightly knit with power relations and political economies. This performative aspect in an educational context means that contemporary media constellations shape participation just as the practices, actors, and technologies of participation shape these very constellations.
Stringent bounds on HWW and HZZ anomalous couplings with quantum tomography at the LHC
Authors: Fabbrichesi M. , Floreanini R. , Gabrielli E. , Marzola L.
Published: September 2023

Abstract

Quantum tomography provides the full reconstruction of the density matrix of a state. We use it to study the Higgs boson decay into weak gauge bosons. Anomalous couplings beyond the Standard Model can be constrained by means of observables easily defined in terms of the polarization density matrix. We describe a strategy based on three observables that together provide the most stringent limits. Two of these observables are linked to the entanglement between the polarizations of the two gauge bosons, the other is based on CP-odd combinations of one momentum and two polarizations. We find for the Z channel that this strategy offers, already with the available LHC data, limits competitive with the best available bounds. We argue that the inclusion of these observables in routine experimental analyses can lead to more stringent global fit limits.
Umbilics of Surfaces in the Lorentz–Minkowski 3-Space
Authors: Ando Naoya , Umehara Masaaki
Published: September 2023

In this paper, we prove several fundamental properties on umbilics of a space-like or time-like surface in the Lorentz–Minkowski space$${{\mathbb {L}}}^3$$L3. In particular, we show that the local behavior of the curvature line flows of the germ of a space-like surface in$${{\mathbb {L}}}^3$$L3is essentially the same as that of a surface in Euclidean space. As a consequence, for each positive integerm, there exists a germ of a space-like surface with an isolated$$C^{\infty }$$C∞-umbilic (resp. $$C^1$$C1-umbilic) of index$$(3-m)/2$$(3-m)/2(resp.$$1+m/2$$1+m/2). We also show that the indices of isolated umbilics of time-like surfaces in$${{\mathbb {L}}}^3$$L3that are not the accumulation points of quasi-umbilics are always equal to zero. On the other hand, when quasi-umbilics accumulate, there exist countably many germs of time-like surfaces which admit an isolated umbilic with non-zero indices.
Current progress toward synthetic routes and medicinal significance of quinoline
Authors: Shehab Wesam S. , Amer Mostafa M. K. , Elsayed Doaa A. , Yadav Krishna Kumar , Abdellattif Magda H.
Published: September 2023

Quinoline motifs are essential in several pharmacological active heterocyclic compounds due to their various applications in medicinal and industrial chemistry. Furthermore, there are greater societal expectations in the current scenario that synthetic and medicinal chemists should produce greener and more sustainable chemical processes. Therefore, this mini-review article highlights the traditional and green synthetic approaches of quinoline and its analogs, including multicomponent one-pot reactions and solvent-free reaction conditions utilizing microwave and ultraviolet irradiation-promoted synthesis using eco-friendly and safe reusable catalysts, in addition to discussing the medicinal importance of quinoline derivatives such as anticancer, antioxidant, anti-inflammatory, antimalarial, anti-SARS-CoV-2, and antituberculosis activities within the period from 2011 till 2021. Therefore, the quinoline scaffolds signify a unique class of pharmacophores present in various therapeutic agents.
Zircon and the role of magmatic petrogenesis in the formation of felsic-hosted volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits: a case study from the mid-Paleozoic Yukon-Tanana terrane, northern Canadian Cordillera
Authors: Manor Matthew J. , Piercey Stephen J. , Wall Corey J.
Published: September 2023

Magmatism is a critical component in sustaining hydrothermal convection and metal transport during the formation of volcanogenic massive sulfide (VMS) deposits. Previous studies of magmatic petrogenesis in VMS systems have demonstrated that ore-related volcanic rocks have distinct whole-rock geochemical and isotopic signatures (i.e., high HFSE, REE, Th, εHf-Nd, zircon saturation T) relative to barren volcanic rocks, which supports models of elevated crustal heat flow during periods of ore deposition; however, the petrologic characteristics and intrinsic parameters (e.g., T, fO2) related to these magmatic events in VMS districts remain poorly understood. Arc–back-arc assemblages from the mid-Paleozoic Yukon-Tanana terrane are well-characterized and include the Finlayson Lake VMS district, which is host to several felsic-hosted deposits (e.g., Kudz Ze Kayah, GP4F, Wolverine) that were generated in a peri-Laurentian continental back-arc tectonic setting. In this study, zircon from back-arc and coeval arc rocks in the Yukon-Tanana terrane was used as a proxy for primary magma formation conditions that generated VMS-proximal and VMS-distal stratigraphy. Our results indicate that zircon grains in VMS-proximal environments have unique textural, geochemical, and isotopic characteristics (e.g., low-aspect ratios, greater abundance of zircon-phosphate intergrowths, Th/U > 1, Zr/Hf > 80, Tzrc > 780 °C, εHfi > –7) that are clearly distinguished from zircon in VMS-distal rocks in both the back-arc and arc settings (Th/U < 1, Zr/Hf < 80, Tzrc < 780 °C, εHfi < –7). These signatures correlate to VMS-proximal magmas that were hotter, less fractionated, and contained greater juvenile melt contributions compared to VMS-distal magmas and reflect a series of high-flux magmatic events that directly correspond to the early tectonic development of Yukon-Tanana terrane. Moreover, this study underscores the importance of mineral-scale petrology, geochemistry, and geochronology in defining the primary magmatic conditions that generated VMS-related felsic rocks and highlights the utility of zircon as a prospectivity tool in both grassroots and brownfields VMS exploration.
Increased subtalar rotational motion in patients with symptomatic ankle instability under load and stress conditions
Authors: Fernández‐Marín María Reyes , González‐Martín David , Herrera‐Pérez Mario , Paulano‐Godino Félix , Vilá‐Rico Jesús , Tejero Sergio
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Differentiating subtalar and ankle instability in the clinical setting is challenging. This study aims to analyze the rotational laxity of the subtalar joint bilaterally in patients with asymptomatic and symptomatic ankle instability under simulated load and stress‐induced position of the subtalar joint.

Methods

A case–control study was conducted using an adjustable load device (ALD). Patients with chronic ankle instability and healthy volunteers were included. Each subject underwent a CT scan under mechanical stress and simulated weight‐bearing conditions, maintaining maximum eversion and inversion hindfoot positions. The images were obtained in a single model, allowing calculations of the motion vector as well as the helical axis. The helical axis was defined by a rotation angle and a translation distance.

Results

A total of 72 feet were included in the study. Thirty‐one patients with unilateral symptoms and five healthy controls were selected, defining two groups: symptomatic (n = 31) and asymptomatic (n = 41). An absolute difference of 4.6º (95%CI 2–11.1) rotation angle was found on the helical axis of the symptomatic vs. asymptomatic group (p = 0.001). No significant differences were detected in the translation distance (n.s.) between the groups. Additionally, a significant positive correlation was found between the rotation angle and translation distance through the helical axis in the asymptomatic group (r = 0.397, p = 0.027).

Conclusion

Patients with chronic ankle instability suspected of having subtalar joint instability showed a wider subtalar range of laxity in terms of rotation about the helical axis. Furthermore, differences in kinematics between symptomatic and asymptomatic hindfeet was demonstrated when both feet were compared.

Level of evidence

III.
A joint impulse response function for vector autoregressive models
Authors: Wiesen Thomas F. P. , Beaumont Paul M.
Published: September 2023

Many applications call for measuring the response due to shocks from several variables at once. We introduce a joint impulse response function (jIRF) that is independent of the order of the variables and allows for simultaneous shocks from multiple variables in the VAR, rather than one at a time as in the generalized IRF. The proposed jIRF controls for the cross-correlations of the several simultaneous shocks. As an application of the jIRF, we study the effect of the COVID-19 pandemic on trans-Atlantic volatility transmissions across large financial institutions and show that simply summing the generalized IRFs overestimates volatility transmissions.
A correlation between hydroxyl vibrations under compression and anharmonicity: glaucophane as a test case
Authors: Williams Q.
Published: September 2023

The infrared hydroxyl bands and first hydroxyl combination bands of glaucophane are characterized under pressure. In this weakly hydrogen-bonded mineral, the anharmonicity parameter, as determined from the difference between combinations and the fundamentals, is nearly constant with pressure to 15 GPa, indicating that the ambient pressure value of hydroxyl-bond anharmonicity closely reflects its value at high pressures. Given this near-constancy, the Grüneisen parameters of the hydroxyl stretching vibrations of a wide range of minerals, as derived from the pressure dependence of their O–H stretching frequencies, are correlated with the anharmonic parameter of each vibration, as determined from the ambient pressure offset of the summed frequencies of the fundamental n = 0 to 1 transitions and the frequency of the hydroxyl combination or overtone band corresponding to the n = 0 to 2 transition. This correlation is motivated by (1) the anharmonic origin of the Grüneisen parameter; and (2) the grossly similar form of the interatomic potential governing weak- and medium-strength hydrogen bonding in many minerals. This possible correlation provides a means through which the likely pressure-induced hydroxyl mode shifts of phases might be estimated from ambient pressure near-infrared measurements and emphasizes the importance of near-infrared combination/overtone band measurements. In this context, the combination/overtone bands of high-pressure hydrous phases are almost completely uncharacterized, and thus one probe of their anharmonicity has been neglected. Such information directly constrains the nature of hydrogen bonding in these phases, and hence provides possible insights into both their retention of hydrogen and its mobility. Deviations from the anharmonicity-Grüneisen parameter correlation, when observed (as may be the case in prehnite), could provide insights into anomalous effects on the hydroxyl potential well induced by bifurcated H-bonds, pressure-dependent Davydov splitting, or the influence of neighboring cations.
Maternal and neonatal outcomes following magnesium sulfate in the setting of chorioamnionitis: a meta-analysis
Authors: Pergialiotis Vasilios , Sapantzoglou Ioakim , Rodolaki Kalliopi , Varthaliti Antonia , Theodora Marianna , Antsaklis Panagiotis , Thomakos Nikolaos , Stavros Sofoklis , Daskalakis Georgios , Papapanagiotou Aggeliki
Published: September 2023

Purpose

Magnesium sulfate (MgSO4) has been widely used in obstetrics as a mean to help decrease maternal and neonatal morbidity in various antenatal pathology. As a factor, it seems to regulate immunity and can, thus, predispose to infectious morbidity. To date, it remains unknown if its administration can increase the risk of chorioamnionitis. In the present meta-analysis, we sought to accumulate the available evidence.

Methods

We systematically searched Medline, Scopus, Clinicaltrials.gov, EMBASE, Cochrane Central Register of Controlled Trials CENTRAL, and Google Scholar databases in our primary search along with the reference lists of electronically retrieved full-text papers.

Results

Eight studies were included that investigated the incidence of chorioamnionitis among parturient that received MgSO4 and control patients. Magnesium sulfate was administered in 3229 women and 3330 women served as controls as they did not receive MgSO4. The meta-analysis of data revealed that there was no association between the administration of magnesium sulfate and the incidence of chorioamnionitis (OR 0.98, 95% CI 0.73, 1.32). Rucker’s analysis revealed that small studies did not significantly influence the statistical significance of this finding (OR 1.12, 95% CI 0.82, 1.53). Trial sequential analysis revealed that the required number to safely interpret the primary outcome was not reached. Two studies evaluated the impact of MgSO4 in neonates delivered in the setting of chorioamnionitis. Neither of these indicated the presence of a beneficial effect in neonatal morbidity, including the risk of cerebral palsy, intraventricular hemorrhage, necrotizing enterocolitis, bronchopulmonary dysplasia, sepsis, stillbirth, or neonatal death.

Conclusion

Current evidence indicates that magnesium sulfate is not associated with an increased risk of maternal chorioamnionitis. However, it should be noted that its effect on neonatal outcomes of offspring born in the setting of chorioamnionitis might be subtle if any, although the available evidence is very limited.
Standardized pathology report for HER2 testing in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer
Authors: Ivanova Mariia , Porta Francesca Maria , D’Ercole Marianna , Pescia Carlo , Sajjadi Elham , Cursano Giulia , De Camilli Elisa , Pala Oriana , Mazzarol Giovanni , Venetis Konstantinos , Guerini-Rocco Elena , Curigliano Giuseppe , Viale Giuseppe , Fusco Nicola
Published: September 2023

Since the release of the DESTINY-Breast04 (DB-04) trial findings in June 2022, the field of pathology has seen a renaissance of HER2 as a predictive biomarker in breast cancer. The trial focused on patients with metastatic breast cancer who were classified as “HER2-low,” i.e., those with immunohistochemistry (IHC) HER2 1 + or 2 + and negative in situ hybridization (ISH) results. The study revealed that treating these patients with trastuzumab deruxtecan (T-DXd) instead of the oncologist’s chosen chemotherapy led to outstanding improvements in survival. This has challenged the existing binary HER2 pathological classification system, which categorized tumors as either positive (overexpression/amplification) or negative, as per the ASCO/CAP 2018 guideline reaffirmed by ASCO/CAP 2023 guideline update. Given that DB-04 excluded patients with HER2 IHC score 0 status, the results of the ongoing DB-06 trial may shed further light on the potential benefits of T-DXd therapy for these patients. Roughly half of all breast cancers are estimated to belong to the HER2-low category, which does not represent a distinct or specific subtype of cancer. Instead, it encompasses a diverse group of tumors that exhibit clinical, morphological, immunohistochemical, and molecular variations. However, HER2-low offers a distinctive biomarker status that identifies a specific therapeutic regimen (i.e., T-DXd) linked to a favorable prognosis in breast cancer. This unique association emphasizes the importance of accurately identifying these tumors. Differentiating between a HER2 IHC score 0 and score 1 + has not been clinically significant until now. To ensure accurate classification and avoid misdiagnosis, it is necessary to adopt standardized procedures, guidelines, and specialized training for pathologists in interpreting HER2 expression in the lower spectrum. Additionally, the utilization of artificial intelligence holds promise in supporting this endeavor. Here, we address the current state of the art and unresolved issues in assessing HER2-low status, with a particular emphasis on the score 0. We explore the dilemma surrounding the exclusion of HER2-zero patients from potentially beneficial therapy based on traditional HER2 testing. Additionally, we examine the clinical context, considering that DB-04 primarily involved heavily pretreated late-stage metastatic breast cancers. We also delve into emerging evidence suggesting that extrapolating HER2-low status from the original diagnosis may lead to misleading results. Finally, we provide recommendations for conducting high-quality testing and propose a standardized pathology report in compliance with 2023 ASCO/CAP updates and 2023 ESMO consensus statements on HER2-low breast cancer.
Quantitative biochemical phenotypic heterogeneity of senescent macrophage at a single cell level by Synchrotron Radiation Fourier Transform Infrared Microspectroscopy
Authors: Sheng Xiaolong , Wu Jie , Wu Xun , Gong Lianghui , Su Min , Tang Jinming , Yang Desong , Wang Wenxiang
Published: September 2023

Macrophage senescence plays an important role in pathophysiological process of age-related diseases such as atherosclerosis, chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD), pulmonary fibrosis, and lung cancer. After macrophage senescence, the biochemical phenotypes related to biological functions showed great heterogeneity. However, the biochemical phenotype and phenotypic heterogeneity of senescent macrophage has not been fully understood. Exploring the phenotype of biochemical substances in senescent macrophage will be helpful for understanding the function of senescent macrophage and finding out the potential mechanism between immune macrophage senescence and age-related diseases. In this study, we employed SR-FTIR microspectroscopy to detect the biochemical phenotype and phenotypic heterogeneity of single macrophage. The whole infrared spectra of senescent macrophages shifted, indicating biochemical substance changes within senescent macrophages. PCA and intercellular Euclidean distance statistical analysis based on specific spectra regions revealed dynamic changes of lipids and proteins during macrophage senescence. This proved that SR-FTIR microspectroscopy is an effective tool to detect the single cell biochemical phenotype transformation and phenotypic heterogeneity during macrophage senescence. It is of great significance to provide an evaluation method or clue for the study of cellular functions related to intracellular biochemical substances.

Graphical abstract
Analyzing force measurements of multi-cellular clusters comprising indeterminate geometries
Authors: Brill-Karniely Yifat , Tischenko Katerina , Benny Ofra
Published: September 2023

Multi-cellular biomimetic models often comprise heterogenic geometries. Therefore, quantification of their mechanical properties—which is crucial for various biomedical applications—is a challenge. Due to its simplicity, linear fitting is traditionally used in analyzing force—displacement data of parallel compression measurements of multi-cellular clusters, such as tumor spheroids. However, the linear assumption would be artificial when the contact geometry is not planar. We propose here the integrated elasticity (IE) regression, which is based on extrapolation of established elastic theories for well-defined geometries, and is free, extremely simple to apply, and optimal for analyzing coarsely concave multi-cellular clusters. We studied here the quality of the data analysis in force measurements of tumor spheroids comprising different types of melanoma cells, using either the IE or the traditional linear regressions. The IE regression maintained excellent precision also when the contact geometry deviated from planarity (as shown by our image analysis). While the quality of the linear fittings was relatively satisfying, these predicted smaller elastic moduli as compared to the IE regression. This was in accordance with previous studies, in which the elastic moduli predicted by linear fits were smaller compared to those obtained by well-established methods. This suggests that linear regressions underestimate the elastic constants of bio-samples even in cases where the fitting precision seems satisfying, and highlights the need in alternative methods as the IE scheme. For comparison between different types of spheroids we further recommend to increase the soundness by regarding relative moduli, using universal reference samples.
The Effect of Disclosure of PrEP Use on Adherence Among African Young Women in an Open-Label PrEP Study: Findings from HPTN 082
Authors: Beauchamp Geetha , Hosek Sybil , Donnell Deborah , Chan Kwun C. G. , Anderson Peter L. , Dye Bonnie J. , Mgodi Nyaradzo , Bekker Linda-Gail , Delany-Moretlwe Sinead , Celum Connie ,   for the HPTN 082 study team
Published: September 2023

To develop effective PrEP adherence interventions, it is important to understand the interplay between disclosure of pre-exposure prophalxis (PrEP) use, social support, and PrEP adherence. We leveraged the HPTN 082 study conducted among 451 adolescent girls and young women (AGYW) (ages 16 to 25 years, 2016 to 2019) in South Africa and Zimbabwe. Among the 349 who had month three disclosure and PrEP adherence data, 60% (n = 206) felt supported by adults, and 89% (n = 309) disclosed PrEP use to at least one person. PrEP disclosure was not associated with increased adherence, measured by intracellular tenofovir-diphosphate concentrations in dried blood spots. Women who reported having supportive adults, and disclosed to their parents, had higher adherence at 6 months with an increase of 177 fmol/punch (95% CI 12 to 343, t = 2.11, p = 0.04). PrEP interventions that help AGYW identify supportive relationships and effectively communicate the benefits of PrEP may improve PrEP adherence.

Clinicaltrials.gov ID number: NCT02732730.
Mathematical attitudes transformation when introducing GeoGebra in the secondary classroom
Authors: Romero Albaladejo Isabel M. , García López María del Mar
Published: September 2023

The mathematical-related affect research agenda demands studies on the affect-cognition relationship, as well as interventions aimed at improving affective aspects of mathematical learning. The potential of technological environments for promoting cognitive changes in students has been widely informed and there is evidence of their influence in students´ attitudes towards mathematics, such as interest and enjoyment. Research on the so-called mathematical attitudes, more related to mental habits and closely tied to cognitive processes is much scarcer. In this study, we report the transformation of three such mathematical attitudes in the students: perseverance, precision-rigor, and autonomy, when introducing GeoGebra in two secondary classes. Quantitative and qualitative analyses performed on data from various sources, with the total number of students and with a representative sample, show how it is possible to capitalize on initial positive attitudes towards mathematics with technology to bring about a significant improvement in the three above-mentioned attitudes, deemed as genuine elements of mathematical work. GeoGebra affordances constructivity, navigability and interactivity made it possible for new forms of behaviour to emerge in the classroom. Namely, flexible and fluent perseverance on problem solving; increasing inclination for accuracy and realization of its importance for proper reasoning; and willingness to collaborate with peers, helping each other, as well as sharing insights and ideas, thus, gaining independence from the teacher to face non-routine tasks.
Informal sector counterpower in Harare, Zimbabwe
Authors: Tanyanyiwa Vincent Itai , Marais Lochner , du Plessis Lyndon
Published: September 2023

African city governments have generally been harsh on the informal sector. Informal traders are considered a nuisance and unworthy of government support and are subjected to severe regulations and police harassment. The paper frames this anti-informal-sector approach in Harare, Zimbabwe, as sovereign power and the informal traders’ resistance as counterpower (after Foucault). We use the sustainable livelihoods approach (SLA. to analyze their response to sovereign power. Our interviews with 50 informal street traders and 20 key informants revealed that this counterpower takes the form of good business practices, building on urban–rural linkages and disobeying the current bylaws. The traders also actively avoid damage from police raids by being mobile, not displaying all their goods, setting out goods on a sheet for quick removal when threatened, storing goods elsewhere, and paying bribes for information about police activity. Our findings contradict the view of the informal sector traders as helpless victims of government brutality.
Emergence of a Thermal Hysteresis of Electrical Resistance by Thinning in 1T-TiSe2
Authors: Nomura Atsushi , Demura Satoshi , Ohta Shun , Kobayashi Sora , Sakata Hideaki
Published: September 2023

We measured the temperature dependence of the resistance in thinned samples of a layered transition metal dichalcogenide 1T-TiSe2. As a result, a thermal hysteresis of resistance was discovered in most samples with a thickness of 10 μm or less, but not in samples thicker than 100 μm. The onset temperature of this hysteresis was almost the same as the onset temperature of the charge density wave (CDW) transition, suggesting that this hysteresis is related to the CDW. All the samples with hysteresis exhibited one or a few jumps of resistance in the 110–190 K range in cooling. Moreover, the hysteresis was related not only to the history of temperature below the CDW transition temperature, but also to that above the transition temperature. To interpret these anomalous results, we discuss the effect of impurities on the domain structure of the CDW.
The Development of a Short Version of the Internet Addiction Test: The IAT-7
Authors: Valenti Giusy D. , Craparo Giuseppe , Faraci Palmira
Published: September 2023

Using a valid and reliable scale to measure problems associated with excessive internet use is a key element of research on internet addiction (IA). The main goal of the current study was to develop a brief version of the Internet Addiction Test (IAT), the most widely used measure for assessing IA. In Study 1 (N = 463), we combined strict analytic techniques for item reduction with an evaluation of item content, and we compared several CFA and ESEM Models. In Study 2 (N = 374), we applied a Latent Variable Model (LMV) to examine the associations between our proposed short scale and some related variables. Our findings suggested a 7-item version (named IAT-7), with an ESEM structure and two domain-specific factors (F1: Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict; F2: Online Time Management). The IAT-7 showed excellent fit-indices [χ2 = 13.373; df = 8; CFI = .994; TLI = .983; RMSEA = .030 (.000–.073); SRMR = .016; AIC = 9,276.944; BIC = 9,388.662; aBIC = 9,302.971] and an adequate level of internal consistency (alpha and omega > .752). Interpersonal, Emotional and Obsessive Conflict mainly predicted loneliness and depression, whereas Online Time Management was primarily associated with stress, followed by depression. The IAT-7 shows promising psychometric properties and could be used as a screening tool for evaluating IA. Its small number of items makes it more attractive when a large battery of assessment scales is used.
Generation and Influence of Carbon Dioxide Nanobubbles on Physicochemical Properties Including the Surface Tension of Clarified Apple Juice
Authors: Phan Khanh , Truong Tuyen , Wang Yong , Bhandari Bhesh
Published: September 2023

This work aims at examining the impact of generated CO2 nanobubbles (NBs) via the membrane-based method on physicochemical properties and surface tension of commercial clarified apple juice. The gas was injected at 300 kPa pressure for variable liquid circulation times (5, 13 and 26 min) to produce the CO2 NBs. Sets of 13- and 26-min circulation time to mix CO2 and liquid gave the desirably nano-size (~ 80–200 nm) NBs and significantly (p ≤ 0.05) reduced surface tension (by ~ 20–25%) of the juice dispersed with these formed tiny gas bubbles (NB-juice). An increase in circulation time also resulted in more negative zeta potential and higher dissolved CO2 concentration of the NB-juice. Density values of apple juice remained unchanged with and without incorporating CO2 NBs. These experimental outcomes provide the potential use of NBs in controlling the characteristics of liquid food as an environment-friendly approach to minimise chemical usages.
Induced Pluripotent Stem Cells as a Possible Approach for Exploring the Pathophysiology of Polycystic Ovary Syndrome (PCOS)
Authors: Khatun Masuma , Lundin Karolina , Naillat Florence , Loog Liisa , Saarela Ulla , Tuuri Timo , Salumets Andres , Piltonen Terhi T. , Tapanainen Juha S.
Published: September 2023

Polycystic ovary syndrome (PCOS) is the most prevalent endocrine condition among women with pleiotropic sequelae possessing reproductive, metabolic, and psychological characteristics. Although the exact origin of PCOS is elusive, it is known to be a complex multigenic disorder with a genetic, epigenetic, and environmental background. However, the pathogenesis of PCOS, and the role of genetic variants in increasing the risk of the condition, are still unknown due to the lack of an appropriate study model. Since the debut of induced pluripotent stem cell (iPSC) technology, the ability of reprogrammed somatic cells to self-renew and their potential for multidirectional differentiation have made them excellent tools to study different disease mechanisms. Recently, researchers have succeeded in establishing human in vitro PCOS disease models utilizing iPSC lines from heterogeneous PCOS patient groups (iPSCPCOS). The current review sets out to summarize, for the first time, our current knowledge of the implications and challenges of iPSC technology in comprehending PCOS pathogenesis and tissue-specific disease mechanisms. Additionally, we suggest that the analysis of polygenic risk prediction based on genome-wide association studies (GWAS) could, theoretically, be utilized when creating iPSC lines as an additional research tool to identify women who are genetically susceptible to PCOS. Taken together, iPSCPCOS may provide a new paradigm for the exploration of PCOS tissue-specific disease mechanisms.

Graphical Abstract
A nomothetic theory of well-being: four functional abilities that promote psychological stability and resilience
Authors: Besika Anastasia
Published: September 2023

As longevity increases, understanding how a person maintains well-being and builds resilience to adversity becomes increasingly important. The present work (a) composes main cognitive elements into a universal psychological multisystem and (b) explains the factors that contribute to the function of this multisystem within physical space and across time. Drawing on established theories and previous findings, a theoretical reconstruction of a universal architecture serves to identify the principles a person needs to satisfy as a dynamic system that is governed by physical laws. A novel conceptual model generates testable hypotheses regarding how a universal cognitive multisystem, which is aided by a universal embodied emotional system, facilitates endless behavioral patterns in response to the environment. This theoretical framework compliments previous models and proposes that the nomothetic parameters of consistency, flexibility, self/others ratio and speed of meaning can explain inter- and intra-individual differences in psychological stability and resilience. The present work provides a comprehensive theory and methodological guidelines for the systematic assessment of well-being. This new approach to investigating well-being may open a new research direction and inform preventive and therapeutic interventions.
Die Stichwahl als integrales Element eines Grabenwahlsystems. Ergebnisse von Simulationen mit Bezug auf die deutschen Bundestagswahlen von 2017 und 2021
Authors: Behnke Joachim
Published: September 2023

Im Rahmen der Arbeit der vom Deutschen Bundestag eingesetzten Wahlrechtskommission wurde von den Parteien CDU und CSU die Einführung eines Grabenwahlsystems vorgeschlagen, bei dem der Wahlkreisgewinner mit absoluter Mehrheit ermittelt werden soll, in der Regel durch eine Stichwahl in einem zweiten Wahlgang. Als Argumente für ein solches System wurde vorgebracht, dass damit die üblichen Effekte des Grabenwahlsystems wie starke Verzerrungen der Proportionalität und mögliche Umkehrungen der Mehrheitsverhältnisse abgemildert werden könnten. Der Artikel untersucht die zu erwartenden Effekten der Einführung eines Grabenwahlsystems mit absoluter Mehrheitsregel mit Stichwahl für den Deutschen Bundestag anhand von Simulationen für die letzten beiden Bundestagswahlen. Entgegen den Vermutungen kommt es bei einer solchen Ausgestaltung des Grabenwahlsystems zu stärkeren Verzerrungen des Proporzes als bei einem Grabenwahlsystem, das mit der relativen Mehrheitsregel in den Wahlkreisen kombiniert ist. Des Weiteren kommt es häufiger auch zu Umkehrungen der Parlamentsmehrheiten. Die bekannten Nachteile des Grabenwahlsystems werden also in keiner Weise abgeschwächt, ganz im Gegenteil verstärken sie sich noch.
A multicenter prospective study on the management of hepatoblastoma in children: a report from the Chinese Children’s Cancer Group
Authors: Tang Meng-Jie , Ma Xiao-Li , He Xiang-Ling , Pan Wei-Hua , Zhang Xiao-Hong , Jiang Sha-Yi , Gao Ju , Li Fu , Yao Wei , Gu Song , Zhang Wei-Ling , Zhao Qiang , Huang Shi-Hao , Fang Yong-Jun , Liu Wei , Niu Hui-Zhong , Wang Chun-Mei , Sun Li-Rong , Gao Hui , Dai Yun-Peng , Huang Shun-Gen , Zhong Zhi-Yong , Wang Xi-Ge , Li Zhong-Rong , Yang Liang-Chun , Wu Ye-Ming , Wang Huan-Min , Sun Xin , Yuan Xiao-Jun
Published: September 2023

Background

This study aimed to identify survival risk factors in Chinese children with hepatoblastoma (HB) and assess the effectiveness of the new treatment protocol proposed by the Chinese Children’s Cancer Group (CCCG) in 2016.

Methods

A multicenter, prospective study that included 399 patients with HB from January 2015 to June 2020 was conducted. Patient demographics, treatment protocols, and other related information were collected. Cox regression models and Kaplan–Meier curve methods were used.

Results

The 4-year event-free survival (EFS) and overall survival (OS) were 76.9 and 93.5%, respectively. The 4-year EFS rates for the very-low-risk, low-risk, intermediate-risk, and high-risk groups were 100%, 91.6%, 81.7%, and 51.0%, respectively. The 4-year OS was 100%, 97.3%, 94.4%, and 86.8%, respectively. Cox regression analysis found that age, tumor rupture (R +), and extrahepatic tumor extension (E +) were independent prognostic factors. A total of 299 patients had complete remission, and 19 relapsed. Patients with declining alpha-fetoprotein (AFP) > 75% after the first two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy had a better EFS and OS than those ≤ 75%.

Conclusions

The survival outcome of HB children has dramatically improved since the implementation of CCCG-HB-2016 therapy. Age ≥ 8 years, R + , and E + were independent risk factors for prognosis. Patients with a declining AFP > 75% after the first two cycles of neoadjuvant chemotherapy had better EFS and OS.

Graphical abstract
An innovative 4.0 system to prevent the spreading of the diseases which threaten the globalized world
Authors: Mosca Roberto , Mosca Marco , Revetria Roberto , Currò Fabio , Briatore Federico
Published: September 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this research is to provide an effective contribution to contrast the spread of Covid19. Therefore, the authors aimed to model a new strategy (technologies and processes), using the principles made available by Industry 4.0.

Method

The strategy consists in an IoT thermoscanner (developed by the authors, strategically placed throughout the settlement), and an innovative method of disinfection (achieved by redesigning the sanitization processes, using UV-C rays and gaseous Ozone produced by IoT machines, again conceptualized and developed by the authors, being capable of reproducing the Chapman Cycle and its associated benefits). This method was discussed in the article "Sanitizing of Confined Spaces Using Gaseous Ozone Produced by 4.0 Machines," which was presented at the WCE 2021 IAENG Congress (Best Paper Award of the 2021 International Conference of Systems Biology and Bioengineering).

Result

The results consist in: 1. an absolute disinfection system based on a reversible cycle Oxygen-Ozone-Oxygen, with quick re-habitability of the treated rooms, at a minimum treatment costs, without expensive and harmful chemicals or moist water vapor (incompatible by nature with paper and electronics); 2. a 4.0 device for quick detection of fever; 3. clear processes for disease spread prevention.

Conclusion

The target contribution was widely achieved, providing machinery, processes and procedures. The authors aim now to extend the solution proposed to any other type virus, bacteria, or pathogen agent introduced by subjects who, despite being unaware of acting as vectors, develop infection along their stay in hotels, offices or any other public place.
Construction of a Hierarchical Organization in Semantic Memory: A Model Based on Neural Masses and Gamma-Band Synchronization
Authors: Ursino Mauro , Pirazzini Gabriele
Published: September 2023

Semantic memory is characterized by a hierarchical organization of concepts based on shared properties. However, this aspect is insufficiently dealt with in recent neurocomputational models. Moreover, in many cognitive problems that exploit semantic memory, gamma-band synchronization can be relevant in favoring information processing and feature binding. In this work, we propose an attractor network model of semantic memory. Each computational unit, coding for a different feature, is described with a neural mass circuit oscillating in the gamma range. The model is trained with an original nonsymmetric Hebb rule based on a presynaptic gating mechanism. After training, the network creates a taxonomy of categories, distinguishes between subordinate and superordinate concepts, and discriminates between salient and marginal features. Examples are provided concerning a fourteen-animal taxonomy, including several subcategories. A sensitivity analysis reveals the robustness of the network but also points out conditions leading to confusion among categories, similar to the one observed in dreaming and some neurological disorders. Finally, the analysis emphasizes the role of fast GABAergic interneurons and inhibitory-excitatory balance to allow the correct synchronization of features. The model represents an original attempt to deal with a hierarchical organization of objects in semantic memory and correlated patterns, still exploiting gamma-band synchronization to favor neural processing. The same ideas, introduced in a more sophisticated multilayer network, can deepen our knowledge of semantic memory organization in the brain. Finally, they can open new perspectives in quantitatively analyzing neurological disorders connected with distorted semantics.
Novel Deep Learning Approaches for Analyzing Diffusion Imaging Data
Authors: Sadegheih Yousef , Weninger Leon , Merhof Dorit
Published: September 2023

Diffusion magnetic resonance imaging (dMRI) is developing into one of the most important non-invasive tools for clinical brain research. This development is supported by a project funded by the German Research Foundation, in which four major obstacles related to dMRI data were addressed: (1) the lack of transferability of dMRI data between clinical sites, (2) the lack of training and label data, (3) the potential of complex diffusion data, and (4) the integration of spherical signals in neural networks to improve accuracy. To overcome the problem of different MRI systems producing slightly varying data, the project developed a method for harmonizing MRI signals. To address the issue of limited ground truth data, a framework was developed to synthesize individual diffusion data and complete datasets based on important diffusion characteristics and statistics. The integration of complex signals, often discarded during acquisition, to improve reconstruction was also explored. Finally, new methods were developed to preserve the spherical character of the diffusion data in the DL model. The resulting methods are intended to improve the usability of diffusion imaging data and to enable the creation of processing pipelines for dMRI data in clinical studies and clinical practice.