bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Enhancing the contribution of higher education institutions to sustainable development research: A focus on post‐2015 SDGs
Authors: Filho Walter Leal , Eustachio João Henrique Paulino Pires , Ávila Lucas Veiga , Dinis Maria Alzira Pimenta , Hernandez‐Diaz Paula M. , Batista Karina , Borsari Bruno , Abubakar Ismaila Rimi 
Published: October 2024

AbstractSustainable development (SD) research is vital in providing a basis for progress in this rapidly growing field of inquiry. In this context, higher education institutions (HEIs) and leading top researchers belonging to them are playing a key role. Despite this being widely acknowledged by the academy, it is largely unclear how individual HEIs, and their researchers contribute to sustainability research efforts. Based on the need to unveil this landscape, our article reports on a study that identified the leading HEIs and researchers involved in sustainability research and how they contribute to moving the field forward. A bibliometric assessment of the literature (performance analysis) was conducted to identify the number of publications of leading authors and institutions. The results reveal some interesting trends. First, the co‐occurrence analysis technique revealed what the top 10 authors in SD are exploring. Also, the study identifies diverse thematic clusters, covering areas like technology, sustainability assessment, integrative education, and corporate practices. The paper advances SD theory by illustrating how these themes interconnect and complement each other. The article concludes with suggestions of how universities may engage further in sustainability research. The theoretical and practical implications of the research, as well as its limitations, are also addressed.
Green Synthesis Study: Adsorption of Congo Red Dye with Selenium Nanoparticles Obtained from Prunus Armeniaca L. Leaf Waste
Authors: Turna Talip , Solmaz Alper , Baran Ayşe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, it was aimed to remove Congo Red (CR) dye in aqueous solution by biosynthesized Selenium Nanoparticles from Prunus armeniaca L. (PAL‐SeNPs) leaf wastes by green synthesis method. The characteristic structure of PAL‐SeNPs was determined by UV‐vis spectroscopy, X‐ray diffraction (XRD), Brunauer–Emmett–Teller (BET), scanning electron microscope (SEM), energy dispersive X‐ray (EDX), fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), thermogravimetry‐differential thermal analysis (TGA‐DTA), dynamic light scattering (DLS), zetasizer, and point of zero charge (pHpzc). The effects of pH, adsorbent amount, time, initial concentration, and temperature were investigated by batch adsorption studies. 2 different kinetic and 4 isotherm models were tested and error analysis functions were determined for the most suitable model. Accordingly, the particle size, crystallinity, pHpzc value and average surface charge of PAL‐SeNPs were determined as 9.969 nm, 48.50 %, 3.47, and −23.6 mV, respectively. Also, the most suitable kinetic and isotherm models for the removal of CR dye with PAL‐SeNPs were found as Pseudo‐second‐order and Freundlich, with R2 values of 0.996, respectively. Also, where the optimum pH was 7.00, the maximum adsorption capacity was calculated as 96.59 mgCR/gPAL‐SeNPs. The results obtained show that environmentally friendly and low‐cost PAL‐SeNPs produced by the green synthesis method are a suitable alternative for the removal of CR dye.
A Comprehensive Review of Synthetic Approaches Toward Lamellarin D and its Analogous
Authors: Sivaganesan Pooja , VL Subiksha , Sahoo Arupratan , Elanchezhian Chibisree , Nataraj Gokulprasanth , Chaudhuri Saikat 
Published: October 2024

AbstractLamellarin D, a naturally occurring molecule, isolated from marine molluscs, it exhibits potent pharmacological activities, such as topoisomerase I inhibition, antiproliferation, antiviral, insecticidal, antimetastatic and anticancer effects, making it a promising candidate for drug development. This review explores the synthesis of Lamellarin D employing various methodologies. These synthetic approaches have enabled researchers to access Lamellarin D and its analogous efficiently, facilitating further investigation into their biological properties. Our study summarizes the major contributions of these efforts to the larger synthetic community, primarily focusing on general synthetic techniques toward the Lamellarin D and its counterpart since its isolation in 1997 to the present.
Dual Temperature and pH Sensitive Poly(ethyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) Nanogels Have Potential for Controlled Release of Doxorubicin
Authors: Hakkoymaz Orhun , Mazi Hidayet 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this study, the synthesis and characterization of poly(ethyl methacrylate‐co‐acrylamide) (i.e., poly(EMA‐co‐AAm)) nanogels and the loading and release studies of doxorubicin hydrochloride were carried out. The synthesis of nanogels was carried out using the emulsion polymerization technique at 60 °C. Swelling experiments showed that the nanogels were sensitive to temperature and pH of the medium. Zeta sizer analysis results showed that the synthesized nanogels had an average size of 23.17 nm and the PDI value was 0.270. In the loading studies of doxorubicin into nanogels, the drug loading capacity (DLC) of the nanogel was determined as 32% and the drug loading efficiency (DLE) was determined as 77%. Release studies conducted at pH = 5.4 and pH = 7.4 at 37 °C showed that the release percentage was 17% even in 32 h at pH = 7.4, and 82% in 5 h at pH = 5.4. Release studies conducted at different temperatures at pH = 5.4 revealed that the release percentage was 82% at 37 °C, 85% at 39 °C, and 89% at 41 °C. These results revealed that poly(EMA‐co‐AAm) nanogels can be used in targeted controlled release of doxorubicin and can increase drug effects while reducing side effects.
Renal‐Clearable Organic Probes From D–A–D Type Aza‐BODIPY Fluorophores for Multiphoton Deep‐Brain Imaging
Authors: Li Wenting , Deng Xiangquan , Zhang Zhe , Fang Xiaofeng , Liu Ye , Yang Yicheng , Zhong Jicheng , Zhang Chi , Zhang Yingxian , Wang Yingjie , Wu Changfeng , Wang Ke 
Published: October 2024

AbstractBright near‐infrared (NIR) fluorescent probes play an important role in in vivo optical imaging. Here, renal‐clearable nanodots prepared from Aza‐BODIPY are reported fluorophores for multiphoton brain imaging. The design of donor–acceptor–donor (D–A–D) type conjugated structures endowed the fluorophores with large three‐photon absorption cross‐section for both 1620 and 2200 nm excitation. The side chain modification and lipid encapsulation yield ultrasmall nanodots (≈4 nm) and a high fluorescence quantum yield (≈0.35) at 720 nm emission in the aqueous phase. The measured three‐photon action cross‐section of a single Aza‐BODIPY fluorophore in the nanodots is ≈30 times higher than the commonly used Sulforhodamine 101 dye. Three‐photon deep brain imaging of subcortical structures is demonstrated, reaching a depth of 1900 µm below the brain surface in a live mouse study. The nanodots enabled blood flow measurement at a depth of 1617 µm using line scanning three‐photon microscopy (3PM). This work provides superior fluorescent probes for multiphoton deep‐brain imaging.
Multiple blast behavior of steel wire mesh reinforced geopolymer based high performance concrete (G‐HPC) slab: Experiment and numerical simulation
Authors: Yuan Pengcheng , Xu Shenchun , Yang Ting , Zhou Yun , Su Yu , Shao Ruizhe 
Published: October 2024

AbstractEngineering structures face the potential of encountering repetitive or multiple blast loads stemming from accidental explosions and terrorist attacks. However, current research in this field is still relatively limited, and further investigation is needed to understand the damage mechanisms of structures under multiple explosions. Therefore, this study explores the blast resistance of G‐HPC slabs reinforced with steel wire mesh (SWM) under multiple blast loads. The failure modes of the SWM‐reinforced G‐HPC slab were experimentally studied under two consecutive explosions (with explosive equivalents of 1.6 and 3.2 kg, both at a standoff distance of 0.4 m). The results revealed that, after two consecutive explosions, the slab exhibited bulging with minimal concrete spalling, showcasing overall integrity. Subsequently, a numerical model was established, followed by a comprehensive parameter analysis. The parameter analysis investigated the effects of SWM diameters and grid size, the arrangement of SWM, and the sequence of TNT equivalents on the performance of the slab under three consecutive blast loads. The findings revealed that increasing the SWM diameter or reducing the grid size significantly enhanced the blast resistance of the slab under three consecutive explosive loads. Strategically arranging the SWM in the tensile zone reduced damage and deflection. Furthermore, the sequence of TNT equivalents had a notable impact on the damage and energy absorption of the slab.
‘The First in the Service of Truth’: Construction of Counterknowledge Claims and the Case of Janša's SDS’ Media Outlets
Authors: Mahmutović Melika , Lovec Marko 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThe chapter investigates the interplay of populism, on the one hand, and truth and knowledge production, on the other, in the context of the post-truth condition. We emphasize that such an inquiry must begin by clearly delineating the meaning of populism as such and by applying that understanding to the populist relation to truth and knowledge production, without essentializing or simplifying the relation between the two. To illustrate this, we assess the case of Janez Janša and Slovenian Democratic Party to show how they employ the strategy of ‘counterknowledge’ to assert their belief in truth supported by alternative inquiry. Our findings suggest that Janša and SDS do not necessarily oppose science or expert knowledge, nor do they solely privilege folk knowledge. Rather, they advocate a particular kind of counter-expertise arising from their own epistemic community in which SDS works to portray itself as the only reliable authority on truth. This way, SDS’s truth-claims are part of their hegemonic struggle used to solidify political antagonisms through a hybrid strategy of political cognitive relativism. Analysis thus shows that populists are not necessarily irrational actors who negate scientific epistemology, but rather issue truth-claims as a way of consolidating their political agenda.
Determination of per- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) in six different fish species from Swiss lakes
Authors: Soudani Mylène , Hegg Lucie , Rime Camille , Coquoz Camille , Grosjean Denise Bussien , Danza Francesco , Solcà Nicola , Lucarini Fiorella , Staedler Davide 
Published: October 2024

AbstractPer- and polyfluoroalkyl substances (PFAS) are persistent environmental contaminants with bioaccumulation potential, particularly affecting aquatic ecosystems and human health also via fish consumption. There is therefore a need for reliable extraction methods and studies to accurately assess PFAS levels in fish, crucial for understanding bioaccumulation and potential toxicological effects on both fish and humans through consumption. This study investigated PFAS levels in freshwater fish from Swiss lakes, focusing on six common species: Coregonus wartmanni, Cyprinus carpio, Oncorhynchus mykiss, Perca fluviatilis, Salmo trutta, and Squalius cephalus. Utilizing an optimized QuEChERS extraction method, 15 PFAS were analyzed in 218 fish fillet samples using liquid chromatography-mass spectrometry (LC–MS/MS). The results were compared to EU regulations and EFSA guidelines for tolerable weekly intake (TWI), with a specific focus on correlations between fish size and PFAS concentration. Our findings reveal significant PFAS contamination, particularly in Perca fluviatilis with perfluorooctane sulfonic acid (PFOS) and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS) levels often exceeding EU safety limits. TWI, calculated for a person of 70 kg body weight and an intake of 200 g of fish fillet, is exceeded in 95% of Coregonus wartmanni, 100% of Squalius cephalus, and in 55%, 50%, and 36% of the specimens Oncorhynchus mykiss, Salmo trutta, and Perca fluviatilis respectively. Correlation analysis between PFAS concentration and fish size in 121 Salmo trutta specimens revealed significant positive correlations for perfluorobutane sulfonic acid (PFBS), perfluorodecanoic acid (PFDA), and perfluorohexane sulfonic acid (PFHxS), and a negative correlation for perfluoropentanoic acid (PFPeA). These results underscore the critical need for continuous monitoring and regulatory efforts to mitigate PFAS exposure risks to both ecosystems and human health.
Diagnosis of periprosthetic loosening of total hip and knee arthroplasty using 68Gallium-Zoledronate PET/CT
Authors: Touet A. , Koob S. , Kürpig S. , Roos J. , Roesch F. , Wirtz DC. , Essler M. , Gaertner FC. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Purpose
Periprosthetic loosening is a major complication after total hip and knee arthroplasty. Early and accurate diagnosis is essential to choose the right therapeutic path and to avoid further complications. The aim of the study was to evaluate the diagnostic performance of 68Gallium-Zoledronate ([68Ga]Ga-DOTAZol) PET/CT in detecting periprosthetic loosening in total hip (THA) and total knee arthroplasty (TKA).

Methods
This retrospective study included 26 patients with painful prosthesis (THA n = 17; TKA n = 16) and clinical suspicion of periprosthetic loosening, but without a confirmed diagnosis. Patients underwent [68Ga]Ga-DOTAZol PET/CT at least one year post-implantation. Diagnosis was confirmed through revision surgery or long-term clinical follow-up, with an observation period of at least 6 months. The analysis included both an assessment of the prosthesis as a unit and a separate evaluation of the individual components. Statistical analysis involved calculating sensitivity, specificity and accuracy using SPSS.

Results
Overall, a sensitivity of 77.8%, a specificity of 95.8% and an accuracy of 90.9% were found for detecting periprosthetic loosening, when considering the prosthesis as a unit. Individual component analyses showed a sensitivity of 71.4% and specificity of 96.2%.

Conclusion
The use of [68Ga]Ga-DOTAZol PET/CT in periprosthetic loosening is a remarkable diagnostic tool and a promising approach. In comparison to established radionuclide tracers, 68Gallium-Zoledronate offers notable advantages due to its availability via 68Ge/68Ga-generators, improving its potential for clinical application.
Evaluation of the single and combined therapeutic effects of individually manufactured earplug therapy in patients with myogenous temporomandibular disorders: A randomized controlled clinical trial
Authors: Benli Merve , Cayouette Monica J. 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Objective
To evaluate the effect of individually manufactured earplug therapy on pain intensity (PI), symptom severity (SS), and maximum mouth opening (MMO), in patients with myogenous temporomandibular disorders (TMD).

Methods
One-hundred-twenty patients were randomly allocated to six groups: Groups EP (earplug), OS (occlusal splint), EX (exercise), EPO (earplug with occlusal splint), EPE (earplug with exercise), and C (control). Outcomes were PI (assessed with a visual analog scale (VAS)), SS (assessed with the modified Symptom Severity Index Questionnaire (mSSI)), and MMO (evaluated with a digital caliper). Measurements were performed at T0 (before the therapy), T1 (1-month follow-up), and T2 (3-month follow-up). Data were analyzed using one-way analysis of variance (ANOVA), Tukey’s HSD, and chi-square tests (alpha = 0.05).

Results
At T1 and T2, the greatest VAS and mSSI reduction was detected for the groups EPE (VAS = 5.3 ± 1.05, 3.3 ± 0.7; mSSI = 38.2 ± 2.27, 43.6 ± 3.94) and EPO (VAS = 5.2 ± 0.91, 3.2 ± 0.78; mSSI = 36.3 ± 3.97, 42.2 ± 3.19), respectively (p < 0.05). At T1, occlusal splint groups (groups OS (34.8 ± 2.97 mm) and EPO (33.8 ± 3.49 mm)) gave the highest MMO values, while T2 values did not constitute a significant difference with T1 (p > 0.05).

Conclusions
The short-term use of combined earplug therapy resulted in a decrease in both PI and SS. Improvement in MMO in participants using occlusal splints was observed in the 1st month and was maintained through the 3rd month.

Clinical Relevance
Earplug therapy can be applied as a complementary therapy to occlusal splint and exercise treatments to decrease PI and SS in patients with myogenous TMD. To achieve functional recovery such as MMO, its combined use with splints should be taken into consideration by clinicians.
Modeling the Effects of Increased Hurricane Frequency on the Tropical Forest Carbon Cycle
Authors: Gutiérrez del Arroyo Omar , Hartman Melannie D. , Silver Whendee L. 
Published: October 2024

AbstractModels project that climate change is increasing the frequency of severe storm events such as hurricanes. Hurricanes are an important driver of ecosystem structure and function in tropical coastal and island regions and thus impact tropical forest carbon (C) cycling. We used the DayCent model to explore the effects of increased hurricane frequency on humid tropical forest C stocks and fluxes at decadal and centennial timescales. The model was parameterized with empirical data from the Luquillo Experimental Forest (LEF), Puerto Rico. The DayCent model replicated the well-documented cyclical pattern of forest biomass fluctuations in hurricane-impacted forests such as the LEF. At the historical hurricane frequency (60 years), the dynamic steady state mean forest biomass was 80.9 ± 0.8 Mg C/ha during the 500-year study period. Increasing hurricane frequency to 30 and 10 years did not significantly affect net primary productivity but resulted in a significant decrease in mean forest biomass to 61.1 ± 0.6 and 33.2 ± 0.2 Mg C/ha, respectively (p < 0.001). Hurricane events at all intervals had a positive effect on soil C stocks, although the magnitude and rate of change of soil C varied with hurricane frequency. However, the gain in soil C stocks was insufficient to offset the larger losses from aboveground biomass C over the time period. Heterotrophic respiration increased with hurricane frequency by 1.6 to 4.8%. Overall, we found that an increasing frequency of tropical hurricanes led to a decrease in net ecosystem production by − 0.2 ± 0.08 Mg C/ha/y to − 0.4 ± 0.04 Mg C/ha/y for 30–10-year hurricane intervals, respectively, significantly increasing the C source strength of this forest. These results demonstrate how changes in hurricane frequency can have major implications for the tropical forest C cycle and limit the potential for this ecosystem to serve as a net C sink.
Potential of combined red and near-infrared photobiomodulation to mitigate pro-osteoclastic and inflammatory gene expression in human mandibular osteogenic cells
Authors: Palmisano Biagio , Vecchio Alessandro Del , Passaretti Alfredo , Stefano Alessia , Miracolo Giovanna , Farinacci Giorgia , Corsi Alessandro , Riminucci Mara , Romeo Umberto , Cicconetti Andrea 
Published: October 2024

Abstract
Appropriate regeneration of jawbone after dental or surgical procedures relies on the recruitment of osteoprogenitor cells able to differentiate into matrix-producing osteoblasts. In this context, photobiomodulation (PBM) has emerged as promising therapy to improve tissue regeneration and to facilitate wound healing processes. The aim of this study was to determine the effect of PBM on human osteoprogenitor cells isolated from mandibular trabecular bone.
Bone marrow stromal cell cultures were established from 4 donors and induced toward osteogenic differentiation for 14 days in a standard osteogenic assay. Cells were irradiated with a combined red/near-infrared (NIR) laser following different schedules and expression of osteogenic, matrix-related, osteoclastogenic and inflammatory genes was analyzed by quantitative PCR.
Gene expression analysis revealed no overall effects of PBM on osteogenic differentiation. However, a statistically significant reduction was observed in the transcripts of COL1A1 and MMP13, two important genes involved in the bone matrix homeostasis. Most important, PBM significantly downregulated the expression of RANKL, IL6 and IL1B, three genes that are involved in both osteoclastogenesis and inflammation.
In conclusion, PBM with a red/NIR laser did not modulate the osteogenic phenotype of mandibular osteoprogenitors but markedly reduced their expression of matrix-related genes and their pro-osteoclastogenic and pro-inflammatory profile.
A wee exploration of techniques for risk assessments of extreme events
Authors: Li Mengran , Cuba Daniela , Hu Chenglei , Castro-Camilo Daniela 
Published: October 2024

AbstractAssessing the behaviour of extreme events in univariate and multivariate settings entails many challenges, from the need to capture different sources of non-stationarity to adequately extrapolate into the tail of the distribution and compute probabilities of extreme events associated with high-dimensional vectors. Motivated by these common issues, we use a combination of methods from extreme-value theory, dimensionality reduction, non-parametric statistics, copula theory, and bootstrap model averaging to provide estimates of risk measures associated with environmental extremes. The work is tailored to the four data challenges presented in the EVA (2023) Conference Data Challenge competition, and the methods introduced here represent the approach taken by the Wee Extremes group.
Echoes of violence: experiences of Palestinian Arab students in Israeli academia during the violent events of May 2021
Authors: Mansour Lamma 
Published: October 2024

AbstractThis paper investigates the challenges faced by Palestinian Arab citizens of Israel (PAI) who are students in Israeli higher education institutions amidst periods of national turbulence and violence, particularly focusing on the violent events of May 2021. Using interviews with students, academics, and members of civil society organisations, the paper puts forth a constructivist grounded theory model that charts the impact of the violent events of May 2021 on PAI students. It reveals that students’ experiences of violence, in various forms, give rise to a host of emotional, social, and political processes that heighten their awareness of the structural violence of the broader Israeli-Palestinian struggle. In response, PAI students withdraw both physically and mentally from their campuses and concurrently mobilise within their communities to address unmet needs neglected by official authorities. The perceptions of PAI students regarding their institutions’ responses to political issues are marked by intense cynicism—a sentiment that is mitigated by individual supportive initiatives by faculty members. Based on the findings, the paper argues that periods of political escalation are not to be viewed as fleeting events that heighten emotions but rather as critical junctures where identities and perceptions are formed, leaving an impact that lasts long after the immediate turbulence subsides.
A Sharp Bound for the First Robin–Dirichlet Eigenvalue
Authors: Gavitone Nunzia , Piscitelli Gianpaolo 
Published: October 2024

AbstractIn this paper, we study the first eigenvalue of the Laplacian on doubly connected domains when Robin and Dirichlet conditions are imposed on the outer and the inner part of the boundary, respectively. We provide that the spherical shell reaches the maximum of the first eigenvalue of this problem among a suitable class of domains when the measure, the outer perimeter and inner $$(n-1)$$

(
n
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1
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th quermassintegral are fixed.