bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Makerspaces Fostering Creativity: A Systematic Literature Review
Authors: Soomro Sohail Ahmed , Casakin Hernan , Nanjappan Vijayakumar , Georgiev Georgi V. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractMakerspaces are gaining popularity in the educational activities of all age groups, from primary schools to higher education institutions, particularly in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) disciplines. Due to makerspaces’ hands-on learning approach, it is generally believed that learning in makerspaces influences students’ creative and thinking skills. Experiments have been performed to explore this relationship; however, they are limited to a particular type of makerspace and address only some aspects of creativity. Therefore, using a systematic literature review (SLR) approach, we attempted to understand the relationship between makerspaces and creativity in the context of STEM education. The SLR offers a holistic view of makerspaces fostering four aspects of creativity from primary to higher education. This SLR used three primary categories of terms in its search string: (i) makerspace and associated terms, (ii) creativity and innovation, and (iii) variants of the term “STEM.” Using the Summon meta-database, we searched 103 digital databases (including Scopus, IEEE, and ASEE). The initial search considered peer-reviewed scholarly journal articles and conference proceedings focusing on STEM disciplines published from 2000 to August 2021. After following the PRISMA guidelines for reporting systematic reviews, 34 relevant papers remained eligible for inclusion. The selected papers were analyzed using thematic analysis. Various types of makerspaces show empirical evidence of fostering creativity. This review additionally identifies seven factors that foster creativity in a makerspace environment. These findings will be beneficial for applying makerspace tools and interventions to enhance creativity in the context of STEM disciplines.
Pathfollowing for parametric mathematical programs with complementarity constraints
Authors: Kungurtsev Vyacheslav , Jäschke Johannes 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this paper we study procedures for pathfollowing parametric mathematical programs with complementarity constraints. We present two algorithms, one based on the penalty approach for solving standalone MPCCs, and one based on tracing active set bifurcations arising from doubly-active complementarity constraints. We demonstrate the performance of these two approaches on a variety of examples with different types of stationary points and also a simple engineering problem with phase changes.
The COVID-19 pandemic and family business performance
Authors: Miroshnychenko Ivan , Vocalelli Giorgio , De Massis Alfredo , Grassi Stefano , Ravazzolo Francesco 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThis study examines the impact of the COVID-19 pandemic on corporate financial performance using a unique, cross-country, and longitudinal sample of 3350 listed firms worldwide. We find that the financial performance of family firms has been significantly higher than that of nonfamily firms during the COVID-19 pandemic, accounting for pre-pandemic business conditions. This effect is pertinent to firms with strong family involvement in management or in both management and ownership. We also identify the role of firm-, industry-, and country-level contingencies for family business financial performance during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study offers a novel understanding of the financial resilience across different types of family business and sets an agenda for future research on the drivers of resilience of family firms to adverse events. It also provides important and novel evidence for policymakers, particularly for firms with different ownership and management structures.
A Systemic Perspective on Organizations: International Experience with the Systemic Constellation Method
Authors: Scholtens Salome , Boer Hedwig , Kiltz Lisa , Fleer Joke 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA systemic perspective is considered helpful when facing complex organizational challenges, but its practical implementation may be challenging. A potential effective method that facilitates the practical application of a systemic perspective may be the Systemic Constellation method. This method aims to raise individuals’ awareness of their social context and to render explicit their tacit knowledge relating to this social context. In recent decades, consultants, coaches, and other professionals, worldwide, have adopted this method, acquired through self-education. However, thus far, this method received only little attention from the scientific community and scientific evidence on the effectiveness of the method is limited. There is currently almost no data on professionals using the Systemic Constellation method within organizations or on how and when they apply it. This lack of insights impedes its scientific evaluation and quality monitoring. We collected data from 273 professionals who use this method. Our results confirmed the existence of a diverse and growing international community. Respondents reported that the primary advantage of using this method is its perceived effectiveness. They felt that the method could benefit from a stronger scientific foundation. Our results shed light on a potentially effective and feasible method for applying a systemic perspective within organizations and suggest directions for future research.
Influences of adjacent suburbia, fire regimes and vegetation on the mammals of a peri-urban reserve
Authors: Kirkpatrick Jamie B. , Driessen Michael M. , Jarman Peter J. , Jakob Lauren 
Published: April 2023

AbstractUrban development is thought to negatively affect most native mammals. Here we assess whether adjacent suburbia, fire regime and vegetation influence the activity of mammal species in a reserve in Hobart, Tasmania, Australia. We used multiple regression to analyse the relationship between distance from houses, fire history, vegetation structure and floristics, and mammal activity, derived from camera visits and signs. Animal diggings and visits by long-nosed potoroos, southern brown bandicoots and cats were greater close to houses, while visits by red-necked wallabies, rufous-bellied pademelons, brushtail possums and short-beaked echidnas were not. The structure of the vegetation, particularly related to shelter, was important in many models. Many models also included floristic ordination axes that reflected drainage, fire regime and distance from high-density housing. Positive relationships between the introduced predatory cat and some of its potential native prey animals may reflect the influences of close proximity to suburbia, such as elevated domestic mesopredator populations, and elevated resource availability in domestic gardens. Our results suggest that urban areas can have a valuable role in nature conservation, despite, or because of, their effects on remnant native ecosystems.
Bioaugmentation potential of inoculum derived from anaerobic digestion feedstock for enhanced methane production using water hyacinth
Authors: Obi Linda U. , Roopnarain Ashira , Tekere Memory , Adeleke Rasheed A. 
Published: April 2023

AbstractThe utilisation of water hyacinth for production of biogas is considered to be a solution to both its control and the global renewable energy challenge. In this instance, an investigation was conducted to evaluate the potential of water hyacinth inoculum to enhance methane production during anaerobic digestion (AD). Chopped whole water hyacinth (10% (w/v)) was digested to prepare an inoculum consisting mainly of water hyacinth indigenous microbes. The inoculum was incorporated in the AD of freshly chopped whole water hyacinth to set up different ratios of water hyacinth inoculum and water hyacinth mixture with appropriate controls. The results of batch tests with water hyacinth inoculum showed a maximal cumulative volume of 211.67 ml of methane after 29 days of AD as opposed to 88.6 ml of methane generated from the control treatment without inoculum. In addition to improving methane production, inclusion of water hyacinth inoculum reduced the electrical conductivity (EC) values of the resultant digestate, and, amplification of nifH and phoD genes in the digestate accentuates it as a potential soil ameliorant. This study provides an insight into the potential of water hyacinth inoculum to enhance methane production and contribute to the feasibility of the digestate as a soil fertility enhancer.
Secure Key Management and Mutual Authentication Protocol for Wireless Sensor Network by Linking Edge Devices using Hybrid Approach
Authors: Sharmila  , Kumar Pramod , Bhushan Shashi , Kumar Manoj , Alazab Mamoun 
Published: April 2023

AbstractWireless Sensor Networks (WSNs) play a crucial role in developing the Internet of Things (IoT) by collecting data from hostile environments like military and civil domains with limited resources. IoT devices need edge devices to perform real-time processing without compromising the security with the help of key management and authentication schemes. The above applications are prone to eavesdropper due to cryptographic algorithms' weaknesses for providing security in WSNs. The security protocols for WSNs are different from the traditional networks because of the limited resource of sensor nodes. Existing key management schemes require large key sizes to provide high-security levels, increasing the computational and communication cost for key establishment. This paper proposes a Hybrid Key Management Scheme for WSNs linking edge devices which use Elliptic Curve Cryptography (ECC) and a hash function to generate key pre-distribution keys. The Key establishment is carried out by merely broadcasting the node identity. The main reason for incorporating a hybrid approach in the key pre-distribution method is to achieve mutual authentication between the sensor nodes during the establishment phase. The proposed method reduces computational complexity with greater security and the proposed scheme can be competently applied into resource constraint sensor nodes.
Longitudinal associations between use of antihypertensive, antidiabetic, and lipid-lowering medications and biological aging
Authors: Tang Bowen , Li Xia , Wang Yunzhang , Sjölander Arvid , Johnell Kristina , Thambisetty Madhav , Ferrucci Luigi , Reynolds Chandra A. , Finkel Deborah , Jylhävä Juulia , Pedersen Nancy L. , Hägg Sara 
Published: April 2023

AbstractAging is a major risk factor for many chronic diseases. This study aimed to examine the effects of antihypertensive, lipid-lowering, and antidiabetic drugs on biological aging. We included 672 participants and 2746 repeated measurements from the Swedish Adoption/Twin Study of Aging. Self-reported medicine uses were categorized into antidiabetic, antihypertensive, and lipid-lowering drugs. A total of 12 biomarkers for biological aging (BA biomarkers) were included as outcomes. Conditional generalized estimating equations were applied conditioning on individuals to estimate the drug effect on BA biomarker level within the same person when using or not using the drug. Chronological age, body mass index, smoking status, number of multiple medication uses, blood pressure, blood glucose level, and apoB/apoA ratio were adjusted for as covariates in the model. Overall, using antihypertensive drugs was associated with a decrease in one DNA-methylation age (PCGrimAge: beta = − 0.39, 95%CI = − 0.67 to − 0.12). When looking into drug subcategories, calcium channel blockers (CCBs) were associated with a decrease in several DNA-methylation ages (PCHorvathAge beta = − 1.28, 95%CI = − 2.34 to − 0.21; PCSkin&bloodAge beta = − 1.34, 95%CI = − 2.61 to − 0.07; PCPhenoAge beta = − 1.74, 95%CI = − 2.58 to − 0.89; PCGrimAge beta = − 0.57, 95%CI = − 0.96 to − 0.17) and in functional biological ages (functional age index beta = − 2.18, 95%CI = − 3.65 to − 0.71; frailty index beta = − 1.31, 95%CI = − 2.43 to − 0.18). However, the results within other drug subcategories were inconsistent. Calcium channel blockers may decrease biological aging captured by the BA biomarkers measured at epigenetic and functional level. Future studies are warranted to confirm these effects and understand the underlying biological mechanisms.
Quasi-Newton Methods for Partitioned Simulation of Fluid–Structure Interaction Reviewed in the Generalized Broyden Framework
Authors: Delaissé Nicolas , Demeester Toon , Haelterman Rob , Degroote Joris 
Published: April 2023

AbstractFluid–structure interaction simulations can be performed in a partitioned way, by coupling a flow solver with a structural solver. However, Gauss–Seidel iterations between these solvers without additional stabilization efforts will converge slowly or not at all under common conditions such as an incompressible fluid and a high added mass. Quasi-Newton methods can then stabilize and accelerate the coupling iterations, while still using the solvers as black boxes and only accessing data at the fluid–structure interface. In this review, the IQN-ILS, IQN-MVJ, IBQN-LS, MVQN, IQN-IMVLS and IQN-ILSM methods are reformulated in the generalized Broyden framework to illustrate their similarities and differences. Also related coupling techniques are reviewed and a performance comparison is provided where available.
Screening of Lactic Acid Bacteria Strains to Improve the Properties of Non-fat Set Yogurt by in situ EPS Production
Authors: Ramos Inés María , Seseña Susana , Poveda Justa María , Palop María Llanos 
Published: April 2023

AbstractSome lactic acid bacteria (LAB) are capable of producing exopolysaccharides (EPS), which can be used in the dairy industry to reduce syneresis and improve the viscosity and texture of fermented products. The aim of the present study was to screen the EPS-producing capacity of 123 LAB strains isolated from fermented foods to search for those able to produce EPS with the optimal technological aptitude to be applied in non-fat set yogurt manufacture. They were grown on MRS-sucrose and assigned to ropy or mucoid phenotype depending on the appearance of the colonies. Twenty-five of them were selected and assayed for production of both cell-bound EPS (EPS-b) and EPS released to the medium (EPS-r). Those resulting in the most EPS producers (Levilactobacillus brevis UCLM-Lb47, Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides 6F6-12 and Leuconostoc mesenteroides subsp. mesenteroides 2F6-9) were used to manufacture non-fat set yogurts. These yogurts were analyzed for microbiological and physicochemical properties (pH, titratable acidity, total solids), water-holding capacity, apparent viscosity, and sensory characteristics during a 28-day cold storage period. The yogurts made with the selected strains showed higher values of water-holding capacity, EPS concentration, and viscosity in the mouth than the control yogurt, which presented a more fluid texture. The results obtained suggest that the three selected strains could be used to replace hydrocolloids in non-fat set yogurt formulation, obtaining a clean-label product that would improve consumer acceptance.
Graphical Abstract
A Method for In-Vivo Mapping of Axonal Diameter Distributions in the Human Brain Using Diffusion-Based Axonal Spectrum Imaging (AxSI)
Authors: Gast Hila , Horowitz Assaf , Krupnik Ronnie , Barazany Daniel , Lifshits Shlomi , Ben-Amitay Shani , Assaf Yaniv 
Published: April 2023

AbstractIn this paper we demonstrate a generalized and simplified pipeline called axonal spectrum imaging (AxSI) for in-vivo estimation of axonal characteristics in the human brain. Whole-brain estimation of the axon diameter, in-vivo and non-invasively, across all fiber systems will allow exploring uncharted aspects of brain structure and function relations with emphasis on connectivity and connectome analysis. While axon diameter mapping is important in and of itself, its correlation with conduction velocity will allow, for the first time, the explorations of information transfer mechanisms within the brain. We demonstrate various well-known aspects of axonal morphometry (e.g., the corpus callosum axon diameter variation) as well as other aspects that are less explored (e.g., axon diameter-based separation of the superior longitudinal fasciculus into segments). Moreover, we have created an MNI based mean axon diameter map over the entire brain for a large cohort of subjects providing the reference basis for future studies exploring relation between axon properties, its connectome representation, and other functional and behavioral aspects of the brain.
Efficacy of Pembrolizumab Monotherapy in Japanese Patients with Advanced Gastric or Gastroesophageal Junction Cancer
Authors: Muro Kei , Shitara Kohei , Yamaguchi Kensei , Yoshikawa Takaki , Satake Hironaga , Hara Hiroki , Sugimoto Naotoshi , Machida Nozomu , Goto Masahiro , Kawakami Hisato , Amagai Kenji , Omuro Yasushi , Esaki Taito , Hironaka Shuichi , Nishina Tomohiro , Komatsu Yoshito , Matsubara Hisahiro , Shiratori Shinichi , Han Shirong , Satoh Taroh , Ohtsu Atsushi 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Pembrolizumab demonstrated antitumor activity in programmed death ligand 1 positive (combined positive score (CPS) ≥ 1) gastric/gastroesophageal junction cancer in KEYNOTE-059 (third line or beyond), KEYNOTE-061 (second line), and KEYNOTE-062 (first line). We characterized efficacy and safety of pembrolizumab monotherapy in Japanese patients across several lines of therapy in these studies.

Methods
This analysis was conducted in 34 patients from KEYNOTE-059 cohort 1 (all pembrolizumab), including 13 patients with CPS ≥ 1, 65 patients with CPS ≥ 1 from KEYNOTE-061 (pembrolizumab, n = 27; chemotherapy, n = 38), and 70 patients with CPS ≥ 1 from KEYNOTE-062 (pembrolizumab, n = 38; chemotherapy, n = 32). Overall survival (OS), progression-free survival (PFS), objective response rate (ORR), and safety were evaluated.

Results
In KEYNOTE-059, ORR with pembrolizumab was 9%, median PFS was 2 months, and median OS was 10 months. In KEYNOTE-061, median OS was 12 months with pembrolizumab versus 10 months with chemotherapy (hazard ratio (HR), 0.67; 95% confidence interval (CI), 0.39–1.15). Median PFS (pembrolizumab vs. chemotherapy) was 2 months versus 4 months (HR, 1.21; 95% CI, 0.69–2.13); ORR was 7% versus 18%. In KEYNOTE-062, median OS was 20 months with pembrolizumab versus 18 months with chemotherapy (HR, 0.76; 95% CI, 0.43–1.33). Median PFS (pembrolizumab vs. chemotherapy) was 6 months versus 7 months (HR, 1.03; 95% CI, 0.61–1.74); ORR was 29% versus 34%.

Conclusions
The current analysis provides valuable information that anti–PD-1 therapies are worthy of further assessment for gastric cancer.

Trial Registration
ClinicalTrials.gov: NCT02335411 (KEYNOTE-059), NCT02370498 (KEYNOTE-061), and NCT02494583 (KEYNOTE-062).
Immune checkpoint inhibitor-associated thrombosis in patients with bladder and kidney cancer: a study of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM) thrombosis and cancer group
Authors: Sánchez Cánovas Manuel , Fernández Garay David , Adoamnei Evdochia , Guirao García Esperanza , López Robles Javier , Cacho Lavin Diego , Martínez de Castro Eva , Campos Balea Begoña , Garrido Fernández Alberto , Fernández Pérez Isaura , Ferrández Arias Asia , Suarez Noelia , Quintanar Verduguez Teresa , Lobo de Mena Miriam , Rodríguez Laura , Gutierrez David , Martín Fernández de Soiginie Ana Manuela , García Adrián Silvia , Ferrer Pérez Ana Isabel , Delgado Heredia María Jesús , Muñoz Lerma Amelia , Luque Raquel , Mazariegos Rubí Manuel , Rúperez Blanco Ana Belen , García Escobar Ignacio , Mendiola Jaime , Muñoz Martín Andrés Jesús 
Published: April 2023

Abstract
Purpose
Both venous and arterial thrombotic events (VTE/AT) can be associated with immune checkpoint inhibitors (ICI). However, there is a paucity of information apropos patients in routine clinical practice.

Methods/patients
Retrospective, multicenter study promoted by the Thrombosis and Cancer Section of the Spanish Society of Medical Oncology (SEOM). Individuals with kidney or bladder cancer who initiated ICI between 01/01/2015 and 12/31/2020 were recruited. Minimum follow-up was 6 months (except in cases of demise). The primary objective was to calculate the incidence of ICI-associated VTE/AT and secondary objectives included to analyze their impact on survival and identify variables predictive of VTE/AT.

Results
210 patients with kidney cancer were enrolled. The incidence of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 13 months) was 5.7%. Median overall survival (OS) was relatively lower among subjects with VTE/AT (16 months, 95% CI 0.01–34.2 vs. 27 months, 95% CI 22.6–31.4; p = 0.43). Multivariate analysis failed to reveal predictive variables for developing VTE/ AT.
197 patients with bladder were enrolled. There was a 9.1% incidence rate of VTE/AT during follow-up (median 8 months). Median OS was somewhat higher in patients with VTE/AT (28 months, 95% CI 18.4–37.6 vs 25 months, 95% CI 20.7–29.3; p = 0.821). Serum albumin levels < 3.5 g/dl were predictive of VTE/ AT (p < 0.05).

Conclusions
There appears to be no association between developing VTE/AT and ICI use in patients with renal or bladder cancer. Serum albumin levels are a predictive factor in individuals with bladder cancer.
Advancing and demonstrating the Impact Indices method to screen the sensitivity of building energy use to occupant behaviour
Authors: Zambrano Juan Mahecha , Gaetani Isabella , Oberegger Ulrich Filippi , Salvalai Graziano 
Published: April 2023

AbstractA critical gap between the occupant behaviour research field and the building engineering practice limits the integration of occupant-centric strategies into simulation-aided building design and operation. Closing this gap would contribute to the implementation of strategies that improve the occupants’ well-being while reducing the buildings’ environmental footprint. In this view, it is urgent to develop guidelines, standardised methods, and supporting tools that facilitate the integration of advanced occupant behaviour models into the simulation studies. One important step that needs to be fully integrated into the simulation workflow is the identification of influential and non-influential occupant behaviour aspects for a given simulation problem. Accordingly, this article advances and demonstrates the application of the Impact Indices method, a fast and efficient method for screening the potential impact of occupant behaviour on the heating and cooling demand. Specifically, the method now allows the calculation of Impact Indices quantifying the sensitivity of building energy use to occupancy, lighting use, plug-load appliances use, and blind operation at any spatial and temporal resolution. Hence, users can apply it in more detailed heating and cooling scenarios without losing information. Furthermore, they can identify which components in building design and operation require more sophisticated occupant behaviour models. An office building is used as a real case study to illustrate the application of the method and asses its performance against a one-factor-at-a-time sensitivity analysis. The Impact Indices method indicates that occupancy, lighting use and plug-load appliances have the greatest impact on the annual cooling demand of the studied office building; blind operation is influential only in the west and south façades of the building. Finally, potential applications of the method in building design and operation practice are discussed.