bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Exploring young students’ attitude towards coding and its relationship with STEM career interest
Authors: Ogegbo Ayodele Abosede , Aina Adebunmi Yetunde 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper presents findings of an investigation on students’ attitudes towards coding and its relationship with interest in STEM-related careers. A concurrent mixed-method research design involving a pre-intervention-intervention-post-intervention non-equivalent control group was adopted. A sample of 50 grade seven to nine South African students (21 male and 29 female) from Township schools in Johannesburg, South Africa, participated. Quantitative data was gathered using the elementary students’ coding attitude survey and STEM Career Interest survey, while qualitative data was collected through a focus group interview. Interview data was analysed using content analysis, and quantitative data was analysed using multiple correlation analysis and standardized regression coefficients (β). It was found that students’ attitude towards coding was generally positive. A number of correlations between students’ attitude and their STEM career interests were significant at p < .05. Results also revealed that students’ attitudes in terms of coding confidence, coding interest, the social value of coding and perceptions of coders were found to be significant predictors of their interest in a STEM occupation. Based on this, it is argued that encouraging a positive attitude toward coding in students and increasing their self-efficacy can reinforce STEM learning and increase students’ interest in STEM occupations.
Sustainability as an Intrinsic Moral Concern for Solidaristic Health Care
Authors: Verweij Marcel , Ossebaard Hans 
Published: September 2023

AbstractEnvironmental pollution and greenhouse gas emissions that contribute to climate change have adverse impacts on global health. Somewhat paradoxically, health care systems that aim to prevent and cure disease are themselves major emitters and polluters. In this paper we develop a justification for the claim that solidaristic health care systems should include sustainability as one of the criteria for determining which health interventions are made available or reimbursed – and which not. There is however a complication: most adverse health effects due to climate change do occur elsewhere in the world. If solidarity would commit us to take care of everyone’s health, worldwide, it might imply that solidaristic health system cannot justifiably restrict universal access to their own national populations. In response we explain health solidarity is to be considered as a moral ideal. Such an ideal does not specify what societies owe to whom, but it does have moral implications. We argue that ignoring sustainability in political decision making about what health care is to be offered, would amount to betrayal of the ideal of solidarity.
Equation for the Dynamic Viscosity of Propane for the Use in Mixture Models
Authors: Rösler Meret , Pohl Sven M. , Thol M. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the present paper, a new equation for the dynamic viscosity of propane is presented, which is suitable for the application in mixture models. The dilute-gas contribution was adopted from Vogel and Herrmann (J Phys Chem Ref Data 45:043103, 2016). The residual part is an empirical approach designed following the example of thermodynamic Helmholtz equations of state. With this functional form, an approach is proposed, which will allow to combine pure-fluid equations in the manner of high precision Helmholtz equations of state in a multifluid mixture model in the future. The parameters of the equation are adjusted to experimental data, so that the data are mostly reproduced within their experimental uncertainty. The present equation is valid in a temperature range from 90 K to 525 K with a maximum pressure of 145 MPa.
Can We Compare Attitudes Towards Crime Around the World? Assessing Measurement Invariance of the Morally Debatable Behavior Scale Across 44 Countries
Authors: Schumann Sandy , Wolfowicz Michael 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Objectives
We aim to encourage scholars who conduct cross-national criminological studies to routinely assess measurement invariance (MI), that is, verify if multi-item instruments that capture latent constructs are conceptualized and understood similarily across different populations. To promote the adoption of MI tests, we present an analytical protocol, including an annotated R script and output file. We implement the protocol and, doing so, document the first test of configural, metric, and scalar invariance of the three-factor Morally Debatable Behavior Scale (MDBS).

Methods
We worked with data from wave seven of the World Values Survey (WVS). Applying multi-group confirmatory factor analyses, we, first, explored invariance of the MDBS in 44 countries (N = 59,482). Next, we conducted analyses separately for seven South-american, six South-east Asian, six East-asian, two North American and Australasian, and all four Anglophone countries.

Results
The MDBS displays an overall lack of invariance. However, we confirmed configural invariance of the MDBS for the South-east Asian sample, metric invariance in the sample of Anglophone countries, and scalar invariance for the Australasian and North American countries.

Conclusions
Wave seven of the WVS can be used for latent mean score comparisons of the MDBS between the Australasian and North American countries. Associative relationships can be compared in the larger Anglophone sub-sample. Taken together, MI must be tested, and cannot be assumed, even when analyzing data from countries for which previous research has established cultural similarities. Our protocol and practical recommendations guide researchers in this process.
The European University Initiative – investigating alliance formation and initial profile developments
Authors: Stensaker Bjørn , Maassen Peter , Rosso Arianna 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThe European University Initiative (EUI) – launched by the European Commission in 2018 has been received with considerable interest from higher education institutions in Europe with hundreds of institutions forming new alliances. While the EUI-initiative in many ways is a continuation of a long history of collaboration across national borders in Europe, the initiative also contains novel elements – not least with respect to the institutional commitments the new alliances are based on. This paper offers new insights into the alliance formation process, and the profiles of European university alliances. Based on a series of qualitative interviews with key persons at alliance level, our findings demonstrate quite complex alliance formation processes where both collective and individual networks of institutions were activated, and where different path-dependencies shaped the membership of the alliances.
Modeling the Role of Immune Cell Conversion in the Tumor-Immune Microenvironment
Authors: Moffett Alexander S. , Deng Youyuan , Levine Herbert 
Published: September 2023

AbstractTumors develop in a complex physical, biochemical, and cellular milieu, referred to as the tumor microenvironment. Of special interest is the set of immune cells that reciprocally interact with the tumor, the tumor-immune microenvironment (TIME). The diversity of cell types and cell–cell interactions in the TIME has led researchers to apply concepts from ecology to describe the dynamics. However, while tumor cells are known to induce immune cells to switch from anti-tumor to pro-tumor phenotypes, this type of ecological interaction has been largely overlooked. To address this gap in cancer modeling, we develop a minimal, ecological model of the TIME with immune cell conversion, to highlight this important interaction and explore its consequences. A key finding is that immune conversion increases the range of parameters supporting a co-existence phase in which the immune system and the tumor reach a stalemate. Our results suggest that further investigation of the consequences of immune cell conversion, using detailed, data-driven models, will be critical for greater understanding of TIME dynamics.
Hydrological assessment of some old dams in Saudi Arabia under the current climate, environmental conditions, and the use of the advanced technology
Authors: Elfeki Amro , Kamis Ahmed Samy , Marko Kuswantoro 
Published: September 2023

AbstractDams were built in Saudi Arabia (SA) starting from the late fifties. The rainfall record at that time is rather short since the early rainfall records in the study area were in the mid-sixties. Therefore, due to the recent changes in climatic conditions worldwide and having longer rainfall records nowadays, it is very important to assess the existing dams under the current conditions. The assessment is based on some criteria: the length of the rainfall records, the rainfall storm hyetographs, storm duration, the type of the rainfall frequency distribution, topographic data, and the current land use/land cover conditions. Fourteen dams in the Riyadh region are chosen, as a pilot study, to perform the proposed dam evaluation procedure. Later, the study can be extended to any region in SA. The results show that increasing the record length leads to a convergence of the rainfall to an asymptotic value. The minimum record length to produce stable statistical rainfall is about 20 years. Nine out of fourteen dams have a storage capacity less than the 5-year return period. The statistical analysis showed that the measured rainfall in some past years corresponds to 50 and 100 years return periods. Gumbel Type I distribution, which was used in the analysis of the old dams, does not seem to be the best distribution under the recent climate data. The dams should also be assessed under the effects of climate change and urban expansion.
Academic work from the perspectives of aspiring academics: a study of doctoral candidates and recent graduates
Authors: Le Ai Tam 
Published: September 2023

AbstractSeveral studies have highlighted the changing nature and forms of work in the academic profession, but few have examined the perspectives of aspiring academics who may contribute to shaping the future academic profession. What types of activities do aspiring academics consider academic work, and what are the implications for academic training and the future of the academic profession? This paper addresses these questions by drawing on qualitative interviews with a group of doctoral candidates and recent doctoral candidates at a research-intensive university in Australia. Building on Ernst Boyer’s scholarship typology, the paper proposes a conceptualisation of academic work domains based on how the outcomes of intellectual inquiry can be communicated. Conceptualising academic work from a communication perspective allows for a language to speak of and recognise the diversity of academic work. The paper also raises questions about how doctoral training could prepare aspiring academics for work areas beyond research, particularly engagement, and how institutional structure could accommodate and recognise this diversity.
Synthesis, characterization, antifungal properties of quaternary ammonium salts derived from natural rosin
Authors: Xu Yanran , Niu Yanfei , Wu Chunhua , Yan Jia , Rao Xiaoping , Shi Zhengjun , Xu Kaimeng , Algadi Hassan , Guo Zhanhu 
Published: September 2023

AbstractIn the paper, five quaternary ammonium salts derived from rosin were synthesized, characterized and their antifungal activities against different molds were studied. Choline quaternary ammonium salt and tetramethylammonium hydroxide were synthesized from dehydroabietic acid and the rosin ethanolamine ester quaternary ammonium salts which are new compounds were synthesized from propylene pimaric acid. Their structures were confirmed by FTIR, 1HNMR, 13CNMR, and high resolution mass spectrometry. The antifungal activities of the synthesized quaternary ammonium salts from rosin acid were tested by Oxford cup method, and their minimum inhibitory concentration was determined. The results show that quaternary ammonium salts derived from rosin acid have inhibitory effects on bamboo slices to some extent. Among them, propylene pimaric acid ethanolamine ester quaternary ammonium salts (A1 and A2) showed obvious antifungal activity in the Oxford cup test. The Oxford cup activity test and anti-mildew effect of quaternary ammonium salts (B1 and B2) synthesized from rosin acid are significant, and there are almost no mould growth on bamboo slices. It can be inferred that A1, A2, B1 and B2 are expected to be used as bamboo mildew inhibitors.
Graphical abstract
Five quaternary ammonium salts derived from rosin were synthesized and characterized; and their antifungal activities against different molds were studied.
SAMHD1 expression is a surrogate marker of immune infiltration and determines prognosis after neoadjuvant chemotherapy in early breast cancer
Authors: Gutiérrez-Chamorro Lucía , Felip Eudald , Castellà Eva , Quiroga Vanessa , Ezeonwumelu Ifeanyi Jude , Angelats Laura , Esteve Anna , Perez-Roca Laia , Martínez-Cardús Anna , Fernandez Pedro Luis , Ferrando-Díez Angelica , Pous Anna , Bergamino Milana , Cirauqui Beatriz , Romeo Marga , Teruel Iris , Mesia Ricard , Clotet Bonaventura , Riveira-Muñoz Eva , Margelí Mireia , Ballana Ester 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Purpose
The lack of validated surrogate biomarkers is still an unmet clinical need in the management of early breast cancer cases that do not achieve complete pathological response after neoadjuvant chemotherapy (NACT). Here, we describe and validate the use of SAMHD1 expression as a prognostic biomarker in residual disease in vivo and in vitro.

Methods
SAMHD1 expression was evaluated in a clinical cohort of early breast cancer patients with stage II-III treated with NACT. Heterotypic 3D cultures including tumor and immune cells were used to investigate the molecular mechanisms responsible of SAMHD1 depletion through whole transcriptomic profiling, immune infiltration capacity and subsequent delineation of dysregulated immune signaling pathways.

Results
SAMHD1 expression was associated to increased risk of recurrence and higher Ki67 levels in post-NACT tumor biopsies of breast cancer patients with residual disease. Survival analysis showed that SAMHD1-expressing tumors presented shorter time-to-progression and overall survival than SAMHD1 negative cases, suggesting that SAMHD1 expression is a relevant prognostic factor in breast cancer. Whole-transcriptomic profiling of SAMHD1-depleted tumors identified downregulation of IL-12 signaling pathway as the molecular mechanism determining breast cancer prognosis. The reduced interleukin signaling upon SAMHD1 depletion induced changes in immune cell infiltration capacity in 3D heterotypic in vitro culture models, confirming the role of the SAMHD1 as a regulator of breast cancer prognosis through the induction of changes in immune response and tumor microenvironment.

Conclusion
SAMHD1 expression is a novel prognostic biomarker in early breast cancer that impacts immune-mediated signaling and differentially regulates inflammatory intra-tumoral response.
Effect of biofertilizers and rhizospheric bacteria on growth and root ultrastucture of lettuce
Authors: Montesdeoca-Flores David , Alfayate-Casañas Carmen , Hernández-Bolaños Eduardo , Hernández-González Mercedes , Estupiñan-Afonso Zuleima , Abreu-Acosta Néstor 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBiofertilization is a technique that uses plant and animal wastes to add organic matter and nutrients to the soil. It can also use microorganisms that can metabolize these by-products to facilitate their absorption by the plant roots. In this study, we tested the effects of rhizospheric bacteria inoculation (T1), a combination of rhizospheric bacteria with liquid fertilizer (T2) and uncombined liquid fertilizer (T3), on the growth, nutritional content, root tissue, and root cells of lettuce plants. The results showed significant positive differences in all treatments compared to control plants, in terms of morphological, nutritional, and productivity parameters. The combination of rhizospheric bacteria with liquid SEFEL fertilizer (T2) yielded the best results, showing increased fresh and dry weight, and diameter. There were no differences between treatments for nutritional content, but each treatment outperformed the control by more than 700% for all macronutrients. The best result was phosphorus content for T1, with 1272.22% more than control. Regarding root structure and ultrastructure, there was no variation in tissue organization compared to control plants, but increases in root hairs (T1), development of transfer cells (T2), and secondary growth (T3) were observed. Additionally, colonization of roots by rhizospheric bacteria was confirmed in all three treatments. In conclusion, this study suggests that inoculating with rhizospheric bacteria is a viable and environmentally friendly biofertilization for lettuce plants.
The impact of environmental regulation and industrial agglomeration on air pollution: on the spatial spillover perspective
Authors: Chen Z. B. , He G. , Jiang S. Z. 
Published: September 2023

AbstractThis paper uses the panel data of 275 prefecture-level cities in China in 2003–2019 and spatial Durbin model to verify the impact of environmental regulation and industrial agglomeration on air pollution. This paper finds that the enforcement intensity of environmental regulations (ER) is not consistent among cities. The effects of strict ER on air pollution in local city are the inverted-U-shape curve. The effects of more stringent ER in adjacent cities j on air pollution in city i are the U-shape curve. The more stringent ER in local city may lead to the decrease in agglomeration of manufacturing sectors (AM), thereby reducing air pollution. The polluting firms may shift production from neighboring cities j with stringent ER to city i with lax ER, thereby leading to the increase in AM, which aggravate air pollution in city i. The more stringent ER in local city i may lead to the increase in agglomeration of productive service industry (AS), thereby reducing air pollution. To avoid the transfer of polluting industrial sectors, the paper suggests that the more stringent implementation of ER should become nationwide actions.
Psychometric properties and factor structure of the diabetes eatıng problem survey- revised (DEPS-R) among adults with type 1 diabetes mellitus
Authors: Atik-Altınok Yasemin , Eliuz-Tipici Beyza , İdiz Cemile , Özgür Su , Ok Ayşe Merve , Karşıdağ Kubilay 
Published: September 2023

Abstract
Background and objective
Although many studies on the Diabetes Eating Problem Survey–Revised (DEPS-R) in adolescents with type 1 diabetes mellitus (T1D), the number of studies validating this questionnaire in adults with T1D is limited. Therefore, this study aimed to examine the factor structure of the Turkish version of the DEPS-R in adults with T1D and internal consistency and construct validity.

Methods
A total of 100 patients with T1D, ages 18–50 years, completed the DEPS-R and EDE-Q. In addition to tests of validity, confirmatory factor analysis was conducted to investigate the factor structure of the 6-item Turkish version of DEPS-R.

Results
The Cronbach’s alpha coefficient of the DEPS-R Turkish version was 0.77, suggesting good internal consistency. The median (IQ) DEPS-R score was 15.0 (13.0) among all participants. DEPS-R score was significantly correlated with BMI (r = 0.210; p < 0.05) and EDE-Q (r = 0.586; p < 0.01). There was no correlation between the HbA1c values of participants and neither EDE-Q nor DEPS-R scores. The confirmatory factor analysis results show that the three-factor model was a good fit.

Conclusion
A short, self-administered diabetes-specific screening tool for disordered eating behavior is recommended be used routinely in the clinical care of adults with T1D, and Turkish version of DEPS-R has acceptable internal consistency and construct validity in adults with T1D.

Level of evidence
Level V, descriptive study.
Clinicaltrials.gov registration number NCT05346679/ 21.04.2022 (retrospectively registered)
A multi-task positive-unlabeled learning framework to predict secreted proteins in human body fluids
Authors: He Kai , Wang Yan , Xie Xuping , Shao Dan 
Published: September 2023

AbstractBody fluid biomarkers are very important, because they can be detected in a non-invasive or minimally invasive way. The discovery of secreted proteins in human body fluids is an essential step toward proteomic biomarker identification for human diseases. Recently, many computational methods have been proposed to predict secreted proteins and achieved some success. However, most of them are based on a manual negative dataset, which is usually biased and therefore limits the prediction performances. In this paper, we first propose a novel positive-unlabeled learning framework to predict secreted proteins in a single body fluid. The secreted protein discovery in a single body fluid is transformed into multiple binary classifications and solved via multi-task learning. Also, an effective convolutional neural network is employed to reduce the overfitting problem. After that, we then improve this framework to predict secreted proteins in multiple body fluids simultaneously. The improved framework adopts a globally shared network to further improve the prediction performances of all body fluids. The improved framework was trained and evaluated on datasets of 17 body fluids, and the average benchmarks of 17 body fluids achieved an accuracy of 89.48%, F1 score of 56.17%, and PRAUC of 58.93%. The comparative results demonstrate that the improved framework performs much better than other state-of-the-art methods in secreted protein discovery.
Asymmetric gradient penalty based on power exponential function for imbalanced data classification
Authors: Zhou Linyong , Ran Guangcan , Tan Hongwei , Xie Xiaoyao 
Published: September 2023

AbstractModel bias is a tricky problem in imbalanced data classification. An asymmetric gradient penalty method is proposed based on the power exponential function to alleviate this. The methodology integrates a power exponential function as a moderator into the cross-entropy loss of the negative samples, driving the model to focus on hesitant samples while ignoring easy and singular samples. The rationality of the algorithm is explored from the gradient point of view, and it is demonstrated that the approach improves focal loss and asymmetric focal loss. Then, the imbalanced data classification experiments were deployed on MNIST, CIFAR10, CIFAR100, and Caltech101, respectively. For binary classification, datasets with several imbalance ratios constituted by varying the sample size of the majority class and minority class are included in the experiments. In the multi-category classification experiments, we discuss imbalanced datasets with only a single majority category and those with several majority categories and examine step-imbalance datasets and linear-imbalance datasets. The results reveal that the proposed method exhibits competitiveness on various imbalanced datasets and better robustness on high imbalance ratio datasets. Finally, the approach is deployed on the pulsar candidate dataset HTRU, and the state-of-the-art results are yielded. Our code is available at https://github.com/gzmtzly/GPPE.