bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Embracing the Entrepreneurial Challenge: Learning from Failures and Setbacks
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this chapter, you will learn why adopting a positive mindset toward failure is essential, how to cope with inevitable setbacks in your start-up journey, and how to make the best out of a failed start-up. We outline that failure is common on the way to success and argue that failure can lead to valuable lessons and new opportunities—if dealt with consciously. Embracing everyday failures helps build resilience and clarity and assists in managing stress. We help sharpen the mindset toward failure by introducing principles that encourage quick learning from setbacks. We offer advice for immediate action.
Onwards and Upwards: Hacking Entrepreneurial Growth
Authors: Kuckertz Andreas , Leicht Thomas , Scheu Maximilian , da Silva Wagner Indra , Ebersberger Bernd 
Published: November 2024

AbstractIn this chapter, you will learn what growth hacking is, when you should start with growth hacking, and how to implement a growth hacking process in your start-up. We define growth hacking as a creative, resourceful approach that uses innovative strategies to expand your customer base and increase sales. Differentiating between the early experimentation phase and the subsequent scaling phase of a start-up, we emphasize the necessity of achieving product/market fit before focusing on scaling. We then provide practical advice on creating growth equations to align activities with growth goals and offer a step-by-step framework to conduct growth hacking and iterate through growth initiatives. We offer advice for immediate action.
Solutions of a Unification of the Cauchy and the Goła̧b-Schinzel Type Equations on a Cone
Authors: Chudziak Jacek , Kočan Zdeněk 
Published: November 2024

AbstractInspired by a problem of invariance of power series families of probability distributions under binomial thinning, Baron and Wesołowski (Res Math 76:168, 2021) investigated a functional equation being a unification of the Cauchy and the Goła̧b-Schinzel type equations. They determined the solutions of the equation with no or mild regularity assumptions imposed on unknown functions. In this paper we extend their results onto a multi-dimensional case.
Antiplasmodial potential of compounds isolated from Ziziphus mucronata and their binding to Plasmodium falciparum HGXPRT using biophysical and molecular docking studies
Authors: Masia Kgaugelo J. , Mhlongo Ndumiso N. , Pooe Ofentse J. , Ibrahim Mohammed A. , Kappo Abidemi P. , Simelane Mthokozisi B. C. 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe increasing resistance of Plasmodium parasites to currently available antiplasmodial therapies poses a significant challenge in treating malaria. Since ancient times, plants have served as a primary source of novel pharmacologically active compounds for drug development. Therefore, this study aimed to explore the antiplasmodial properties of pentacyclic triterpenes isolated from Ziziphus mucronata bark, with an emphasis on their mechanism of action. Dichloromethane and ethyl acetate extracts of the stem bark were subjected to silica gel column chromatography, which led to the isolation of three known triterpenoids: betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol. The compounds were then evaluated for antiplasmodial activity against Plasmodium falciparum NF54 strains using the Plasmodium lactate dehydrogenase (pLDH) assay. In silico evaluation of the isolated compounds was conducted through molecular docking and further validated with in vitro experiments against a purified protein target, Plasmodium falciparum hypoxanthine–guanine–xanthine phosphoribosyltransferase (PfHGXPRT). Betulinic acid, methyl betulinate, and lupeol exhibited potent antiplasmodial activities with IC50 values of 20, 10.11, and 7.56 µg/mL, respectively. Lupeol exhibited the highest binding energy of − 7.6 kcal/mol. Differential scanning fluorimetry revealed that lupeol decreases the Tm of PfHGXPRT, thus decreasing the protein’s thermal stability. At high concentrations, lupeol also increased protein absorbance, indicating the detection of hydrophobic amino acids and protein unfolding. This study proves that Z. mucronata could serve as a reservoir of effective agents for treating malaria, while also scientifically validating its use in traditional medicine. However, further experimental studies are required to substantiate its relevant therapeutic effects.
Data-independent acquisition-based blood proteomics unveils predictive biomarkers for neonatal necrotizing enterocolitis
Authors: Chen Feng , Tan Kezhe , Lv Zhibao , Chen Faling , Xu Weijue , Gong Xiaohui , Lu Li , Sun Hailiang , Fu Qinqin , Zhuang Wenjun 
Published: November 2024

AbstractNecrotizing enterocolitis (NEC) is a life-threatening condition affecting preterm infants, sometimes necessitating surgical treatment. This study aimed to analyze differentially expressed proteins (DEPs) and access their biological and clinical significance in the plasma of neonates with NEC. Peripheral blood samples were collected from NEC infants at various time points, and plasma was separated. Data-independent acquisition (DIA) technology was utilized to identify DEPs among NEC patients at different stages. Bioinformatic analyses, including Gene Ontology and Kyoto Encyclopedia of Genes and Genomes, and protein-to-protein interaction analyses were performed on the DEPs. External datasets, along with receiver operating characteristic curves and gene set enrichment analysis, were used to clinically and biologically validate the findings. DEPs between the NEC and pre-NEC groups indicated reduced protein, heme, nitrogen, and purine nucleotide biosynthesis during NEC formation. In addition, enriched DEPs among the NEC groups at different time points suggested reconstructed extracellular matrix, aberrant B-lymphocyte immune responses, and decreased glycosaminoglycan levels during NEC progression. These findings were both clinically and biologically validated using external datasets. Our study highlights the clinical and biological relevance of proteomics in NEC patients. This study demonstrates key pathways involved in NEC pathogenesis and establishes DIA mass spectrometry as a powerful and noninvasive tool for evaluating and predicting NEC formation and progression.
Graphical Abstract
Biotechnological potential of salt tolerant and xerophilic species of Aspergillus
Authors: Pócsi István , Dijksterhuis Jan , Houbraken Jos , de Vries Ronald P. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Xerophilic fungi occupy versatile environments owing to their rich arsenal helping them successfully adapt to water constraints as a result of low relative humidity, high-osmolarity, and high-salinity conditions. The general term xerophilic fungi relates to organisms that tolerate and/or require reduced water activity, while halophilic and osmophilic are applied to specialized groups that require high salt concentrations or increased osmotic pressure, respectively. Species belonging to the family Aspergillaceae, and especially those classified in Aspergillus subgenus Aspergillus (sections Restricti and Aspergillus) and Polypaecilum, are particularly enriched in the group of osmophilic and salt-tolerant filamentous fungi. They produce an unprecedently wide spectrum of salt tolerant enzymes including proteases, peptidases, glutaminases, γ-glutamyl transpeptidases, various glycosidases such as cellulose-decomposing and starch-degrading hydrolases, lipases, tannases, and oxidareductases. These extremophilic fungi also represent a huge untapped treasure chest of yet-to-be-discovered, highly valuable, biologically active secondary metabolites. Furthermore, these organisms are indispensable agents in decolorizing textile dyes, degrading xenobiotics and removing excess ions in high-salt environments. They could also play a role in fermentation processes at low water activity leading to the preparation of daqu, meju, and tea. Considering current and future agricultural applications, salt-tolerant and osmophilic Aspergilli may contribute to the biosolubilization of phosphate in soil and the amelioration salt stress in crops. Transgenes from halophile Aspergilli may find promising applications in the engineering of salt stress and drought-tolerant agricultural crops. Aspergilli may also spoil feed and food and raise mycotoxin concentrations above the permissible doses and, therefore, the development of novel feed and food preservation technologies against these Aspergillus spp. is also urgently needed. On the other hand, some xerophilic Aspergilli have been shown to be promising biological control agents against mites.

Key points
• Salt tolerant and osmophilic Aspergilli can be found in versatile environments
• These fungi are rich resources of valuable enzymes and secondary metabolites
• Biotechnological and agricultural applications of these fungi are expanding
Biocatalytic sulfation of aromatic and aliphatic alcohols catalyzed by arylsulfate sulfotransferases
Authors: Oroz-Guinea Isabel , Rath Marko , Tischler Isabelle , Ditrich Klaus , Schachtschabel Doreen , Breuer Michael , Kroutil Wolfgang 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
Many relevant metabolites, as well as chemical commodities, contain at least one sulfate ester group. Consequently, biocatalytic strategies to attach sulfate to a molecule under mild conditions are of high interest. In order to expand the enzymatic toolbox available, five new arylsulfate sulfotransferases (ASSTs) were identified in this study. Overexpression in Escherichia coli and enzyme purification resulted in soluble proteins which catalyzed the sulfate transfer to an acceptor substrate using p-nitrophenyl sulfate (pNPS) as sulfate donor. Optimal reaction conditions were established with respect to temperature and pH, as well as their tolerance to organic co-solvents and melting temperature. Additionally, the kinetic parameters (Vmax, KM, and kcat) were determined. The substrate scope for the acceptor showed that a structurally diverse spectrum of alcohols is accepted. The substrates included phenolic alcohols with one, two, and three hydroxy groups, linear and cyclic aliphatic alcohols, and amines. The phenolic substrates were accepted reaching activities of up to 154 U/mg purified enzyme. Additionally, also the aliphatic alcohols (both linear and cyclic) were accepted at reduced activity, showing that these enzymes are not limited to phenolic alcohols. Moreover, catalytic activity was detected when using aniline as an acceptor substrate implying their ability to sulfate also amino groups. Finally, the consecutive sulfation of di- and trihydroxy compounds was observed, resulting in the detection of the corresponding disulfated molecules.

Key points
• Five novel arylsulfate sulfotransferases were identified and characterized.
• Accepted substrates included aromatic and aliphatic alcohols, as well as aniline.
• Disulfation of di- and trihydroxy aromatic compounds was studied and confirmed.
Volumes and velocities: Meta-analysis of PC-MRI studies in normal pressure hydrocephalus
Authors: Whitley Helen , Skalický Petr , Zazay Awista , Bubeníková Adéla , Bradáč Ondrej 
Published: November 2024

Abstract

Purpose
Phase contrast magnetic resonance imaging (PC-MRI) represents an opportunity to non-invasively investigate cerebral spinal fluid (CSF) flow in patients with idiopathic normal pressure hydrocephalus (iNPH). Studies in recent years have explored the diagnostic and prognostic value of PC-MRI derived parameters. This review aims to identify all PC-MRI studies of iNPH published since 2010, synthesise a review based on collated results, and analyse specific flow parameters identified in the selected studies.

Methods
Our protocol was prospectively registered on PROSPERO [CRD42020180826]. We systematically searched four databases: Pubmed, Web of Science, Ovid, and Cochrane library to identify all eligible studies. Quality assessment was performed using a modified Newcastle–Ottawa Scale [19]. Systematic review was conducted according to Prisma guidelines. A random-effects model was used to perform meta-analysis on the available flow parameters.

Results
Eighteen records were identified for inclusion. Five studies were eligible for meta-analysis, representing 107 iNPH patients and 82 controls. CSF flow parameters available for analysis were stroke volume and peak velocity. Both were significantly higher than controls (p = 0.0007 and p = 0.0045 respectively) according to our random-effects analysis, consistent with a model of hyper-dynamic CSF in iNPH. Our systematic review revealed average stroke volumes in iNPH ranging from 43uL to over 200uL. Peak velocity values ranged from 5.9 cm/s to 12.8 cm/s.

Conclusion
Significant increases in stroke volume and peak velocity values in iNPH patients suggest a place for PC-MRI as supplementary evidence in the diagnostic work-up of iNPH. Although shunting reduces aqueductal stroke volume and peak velocity, the ability of pre-shunt values to reliably predict treatment response remains complicated. We suggest that it may be more appropriate to consider a range of values that reflect varying probabilities of shunt success. We recommend that future studies should prioritise standardising PC-MRI protocols, and before then PC-MRI findings should be considered supportive rather than determinative.
From single-objective to multi-objective reinforcement learning-based model transformation
Authors: Eisenberg Martin , Wimmer Manuel 
Published: November 2024

AbstractModel-driven optimization allows to directly apply domain-specific modeling languages to define models which are subsequently optimized by applying a predefined set of model transformation rules. Objectives guide the optimization processes which can range from one single objective formulation resulting in one single solution to a set of objectives that necessitates the identification of a Pareto-optimal set of solutions. In recent years, a multitude of reinforcement learning approaches has been proposed that support both optimization cases and competitive results for various problem instances have been reported. However, their application to the field of model-driven optimization has not gained much attention yet, especially when compared to the extensive application of meta-heuristic search approaches such as genetic algorithms. Thus, there is a lack of knowledge about the applicability and performance of reinforcement learning for model-driven optimization. We therefore present in this paper a general framework for applying reinforcement learning to model-driven optimization problems. In particular, we show how a catalog of different reinforcement learning algorithms can be integrated with existing model-driven optimization approaches that use a transformation rule application encoding. We exemplify this integration by presenting a dedicated reinforcement learning extension for MOMoT. We build on this tool support and investigate several case studies for validating the applicability of reinforcement learning for model-driven optimization and compare the performance against a genetic algorithm. The results show clear advantages of using RL for single-objective problems, especially for cases where the transformation steps are highly dependent on each other. For multi-objective problems, the results are more diverse and case-specific, which further motivates the usage of model-driven optimization to utilize different approaches to find the best solutions.
Heterogeneous multi-robot system mission planning with cooperative replenishment through data-driven rendezvous point selection
Authors: Do Haggi , Jang Junwoo , Kim Jinwhan 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
With advances in autonomy technology, the use of multi-robot systems is becoming increasingly viable and efficient. In particular, heterogeneous systems are effective in complicated missions that require various capabilities. When the missions are prolonged, certain robots such as quadcopter-typed unmanned aerial vehicles (UAVs) run out of energy and require replenishment. As some robots such as unmanned surface vessels (USVs) have large payload capacities for carrying supplies, the UAVs can receive the necessary resources from the USVs amid the missions. In this paper, we propose a mission planning framework that aims to minimize the total mission duration with consideration of the energy replenishment of robots and the heterogeneity of robots and tasks. The proposed framework consists of four components: task allocation, rendezvous point selection, task planning, and plan combination. For replenishment, the location of the rendezvous must be chosen, and we propose using a data-driven approach to predict the best rendezvous point. Then, the prediction result is used for computing candidate plans of each robot in a distributed fashion, and the best candidates are combined to compute the final plan. To validate the efficacy of the proposed method, simulated experiments of various problem configurations are performed and analyzed.
A new sensing paradigm for the vibroacoustic detection of pedicle screw loosening
Authors: Seibold Matthias , Sigrist Bastian , Götschi Tobias , Widmer Jonas , Hodel Sandro , Farshad Mazda , Navab Nassir , Fürnstahl Philipp , Laux Christoph J. 
Published: November 2024

Abstract
The current clinical gold standard to assess the condition and detect loosening of pedicle screw implants is radiation-emitting medical imaging. However, solely based on medical imaging, clinicians are not able to reliably identify loose implants in a substantial amount of cases. To complement medical imaging for pedicle screw loosening detection, we propose a new methodology and paradigm for the radiation-free, non-destructive, and easy-to-integrate loosening detection based on vibroacoustic sensing. For the detection of a loose implant, we excite the vertebra of interest with a sine sweep vibration at the spinous process and use a custom highly sensitive piezo vibration sensor attached directly at the screw head to capture the propagated vibration characteristics which are analyzed using a detection pipeline based on spectrogram features and a SE-ResNet-18. To validate the proposed approach, we propose a novel, biomechanically validated simulation technique for pedicle screw loosening, conduct experiments using four human cadaveric lumbar spine specimens, and evaluate our algorithm in a cross-validation experiment. The proposed method reaches a sensitivity of $$91.50 \pm 6.58 \%$$

91.50
±
6.58
%

and a specificity of $$91.10 \pm 2.27 \%$$

91.10
±
2.27
%

for pedicle screw loosening detection.

Graphical abstract
Effects of Pandemic Response Measures on Crime Counts in English and Welsh Local Authorities
Authors: Pourshir Sefidi Niloufar , Shoari Nejad Amin , Mooney Peter 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe global response to the COVID-19 pandemic between January 2020 and late 2021 saw extraordinary measures such as lockdowns and other restrictions being placed on citizens’ movements in many of the world’s major cities. In many of these cities, lockdowns required citizens to stay at home; non-essential business premises were closed, and movement was severely restricted. In this paper, we investigate the effect of these lockdowns and other pandemic response measures on crime counts within the local authorities of England and Wales. Using openly accessible crime records from major police forces in the UK from 2015 to 2023, we discuss the impacts of lockdowns on the incidences of crime. We show that as time passed and citizens’ response to the imposed measures eased, most types of crime gradually returned to pre-pandemic norms whilst others remained below their pre-pandemic levels. Furthermore, our work shows that the effects of pandemic response measures were not uniform across local authorities. We also discuss how the findings of this study contribute to law enforcement initiatives.
Medical gaslighting as a mechanism for medical trauma: case studies and analysis
Authors: Shapiro Devora , Hayburn Anna 
Published: November 2024

AbstractBeing dismissed or disparaged by medical professionals can be shocking and demoralizing for patients, leading to unnecessary harms (e.g., avoidance of medical treatment; depression; shame). This difficulty is further compounded when patients are also the target of wide-ranging stigmatization due to the nature of the medical and behavioral diagnoses they carry, and/or the social identities attributed to them by medical providers. Incorporating both clinical psychology and medical ethics perspectives, two clinical cases are presented demonstrating the insidious nature of the harms incurred to patients from traumatic medical experiences like those described above. Both cases are shown to illustrate the role that a particular form of gaslighting– medical gaslighting– plays in creating the conditions that result in a form of medical trauma. The term “medical gaslighting” currently lacks a clear and stable definition in the larger literature; the authors develop and establish a definition here. The case of Alex is offered, illustrating a standard form of medical trauma recognized in the literature, and the significance of epistemic injustice in preparing the grounds for medical gaslighting. Next, the case of Kiara is considered, in order to demonstrate how medical gaslighting becomes the vehicle for a more subtle form of medical trauma, not currently captured in standard diagnostic criteria. The claims presented here are testable, and the authors suggest that further work expanding the conceptual reach of medical trauma, and incorporating the concept of medical gaslighting into standard practice, is warranted.
The impact of gratitude practice on well-being and mental health in post-COVID times among Portuguese adults
Authors: Skrzelinska Joanna , Ferreira Joaquim A. , Linharelhos Mariana , Aguiar Ester , Matos Marcela 
Published: November 2024

AbstractThe COVID-19 pandemic influenced the physical and mental health of millions of people around the world. Now, that the COVID emergency is over, its repercussions remain and management plans on how to regain emotional stability are discussed worldwide. The study examined the role of the multidimensional gratitude practice in regaining mental health and facilitating post-traumatic growth in post-COVID times. The weekly gratitude tasks were: gratitude diary, expressing gratitude, finding gratitude in past or current life, and practicing grateful mind. 63 Portuguese adults completed the study, 30 in the experimental and 33 in the control group. Before random allocation to the groups (pre-intervention Time 1), participants completed questionnaires on gratitude (GQ-6), depression, anxiety, stress (DASS-21), social safeness and pleasure (SSPS), satisfaction with life (SWLS), positive and negative affect (I-PANAS-SF), compassion motivation and action (CMAS) and post-traumatic growth (PTGI). Participants from the experimental group, at post-intervention (T2), showed significantly higher scores in life satisfaction, positive affect, compassion for others and post-traumatic growth compared with baseline (T1) and the waitlist group. They also showed a significant decrease in depression, stress and negative affect levels. No significant difference in anxiety or self-compassion was observed in the within-group or between-group comparison, which might be partially explained by the focus of the tasks, concentrated on finding gratitude outside rather than in self, and the timing of the intervention, being just after worldwide pandemic evoking fear of the unknown future. In conclusion, gratitude practice decreases psychological disturbance and enhances psychological well-being, compassion for others and facilitates post-traumatic growth in post-COVID reality. Due to the findings’ preliminary nature more research is needed to confirm the data.