bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
New Index Demonstrates Association between Social Vulnerability, Environmental Burden, and Kidney Failure Risk among Individuals with Glomerular Disease
Authors: Dass Loryn W. , Smith Abigail R. , Krissberg Jill , Wang Chia-Shi , Robinson Bruce M. , Gbadegesin Rasheed A. , Dave Gaurav , Gibson Keisha L. 
Published: January 2025

Key Points

More tools are needed to explore upstream drivers of racial and ethnic disparities in kidney disease outcomes.The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Justice Index is a new tool which characterizes cumulative social and environmental burden at the census tract level.This study is the first application of the Environmental Justice Index to understanding glomerular disease outcomes.

Background
The Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Environmental Justice Index Social-Environmental Ranking (EJI-SER) combines a Social Vulnerability Module with an Environmental Burden Module to characterize cumulative environmental and social burden at the census tract level. This analysis evaluates the association between EJI-SER and kidney outcomes in patients with glomerular disease (GD).

Methods
Cure Glomerulopathy is an observational cohort study of adults and children with biopsy-proven GD. EJI-SER is a percentile ranking by census tract, with a higher score indicating a more severe burden. Associations between EJI-SER and its components with kidney failure (initiation of KRT, transplant, or two eGFRs <15 ml/min per 1.73 m2) and longitudinal eGFR were tested using multivariable Cox regression and linear mixed models, respectively, adjusted for demographics, histologic diagnosis, eGFR and urine protein to creatinine ratio at enrollment, and time from biopsy to enrollment.

Results
Among 1149 participants with census tract data, the median (interquartile range [IQR]) follow-up was 5.4 (3.0–7.0) years, the median (IQR) age at biopsy was 24 (10–48), and self-identified racial distribution was 5% Asian, 18% Black, and 70% White. Median (IQR) EJI-SER was 0.49 (0.26–0.75). EJI-SER scores in the lowest two quartiles were associated with a lower hazard of kidney failure compared with the highest quartile (adjusted hazard ratio [95% confidence interval], 0.62 [0.36 to 1.08] and 0.43 [0.25 to 0.76] for EJI-SER 0%–25% and >25%–50% versus >75%, respectively) and higher eGFR at enrolllment (adjusted mean 90.1 versus 87.1 ml/min per 1.73 m2 for 0%–25% versus >75%, P = 0.08).

Conclusions
As captured by EJI-SER, higher environmental and social burdens are associated with lower eGFR and a higher risk of kidney failure in the Cure Glomerulopathy cohort. This first use of the EJI-SER in GD demonstrates the need for additional investigation into social drivers of disparities in GD and policies and resources that address these structural inequities.
Nasal septum deviation after rapid maxillary expansion in the early mixed dentition
Authors: Teixeira Rodrigo , Garib Daniela , Poiani João Gabriel Rando , Massaro Camila , Fraga Guilherme Adam , Trindade Sergio Henrique Kiemle , Lourençone Luiz Fernando Manzoni , Miranda e Paulo Djessyca , Flores-Mir Carlos 
Published: January 2025

ABSTRACT

Objectives
To evaluate nasal septum changes after rapid maxillary expansion (RME) during the mixed dentition and to verify the association between quantitative and qualitative assessments of nasal septum deviation (NSD) by ear, nose, and throat (ENT) specialists.

Materials and Methods
The sample comprised 24 patients (11 male, 13 female) with a mean age of 7.62 ± 0.92 years with maxillary transverse deficiencies. Cone-beam computed tomography (CBCT) images were obtained before and after RME. Three CBCT coronal sections passing through the maxillary first molars, 5 mm anterior and 5 mm posterior, were used for quantitative assessment. NSD was calculated using the ratio of nasal cavity height to nasal septum contour. Additionally, five ENT professionals evaluated NSD qualitatively using scores from 1 to 3 through CBCT sequential axial and coronal sections. Absent NSD was scored as zero. Interstage changes were assessed using Wilcoxon tests. Spearman correlation and linear regression were performed to evaluate the association between quantitative and qualitative analyses (P &lt; .05).

Results
No significant change was observed in the NSD ratio. In pre-expansion CBCT images, absence of NSD and scores 1, 2, and 3 for NSD were found for 45.8%, 41.7%, 12.5%, and 0%, respectively. In the qualitative assessment, no significant change in NSD was observed after expansion. A strong association was found between NSD ratio and ENT score (r = 0.750).

Conclusions
In the mixed dentition, no significant change was observed in the NSD ratio. Qualitative analysis of NSD was associated with quantitative assessment of the ratio between nasal septum contour and nasal cavity height.
Governance challenges and strategic opportunities for implementing circular economy in greenhouse horticulture: A case study from the Netherlands
Authors: Batlles-delaFuente Ana , Franco-García Maria Laura , Castillo-Díaz Francisco José , Belmonte-Ureña Luis J. 
Published: January 2025

Research background: Circular economy is promoted as a sustainable and efficient economic model in all industries. In the European agricultural sector, and particularly in greenhouse horticulture, its implementation presents both substantial opportunities and significant challenges that must be addressed effectively. The European Union's Common Agricultural Policy (CAP) has the potential to act as a critical catalyst for the adoption of circular economy through its subsidy and support mechanisms. However, progress remains constrained by a lack of comprehensive information on how governance can effectively advance circular economy in different countries and sectors. This gap persists due to the failure to identify several key aspects, and current CAP mechanisms do not adequately address these issues, thereby limiting their effectiveness in promoting a circular economy.
Purpose of the article: To identify key government actors influencing the implementation of circular economy in Dutch greenhouse horticulture, assess the transformative potential of their initiatives and evaluate factors that hinder or facilitate progress.
Methods: A review of the scientific literature, application of the Governance Assessment Tool (GAT), and validation of the results by key stakeholders involved.
Findings & value added: By applying the GAT, this article offers a detailed assessment of the governance dimensions affecting the implementation of circular economy in greenhouse horticulture in the Netherlands. The research reveals that effective governance is crucial for coordinating and collaborating among various involved stakeholders, such as producers, cooperatives, and auxiliary industries. The challenges highlighted include the lack of consensus among market actors and the need for more coherent policies. Currently, strategic opportunities are identified to improve implementation, such as strengthening public policies and promoting investments in sustainable technologies. Evaluation of these governance dimensions allows for determining where to focus time and resources to advance the implementation of circular economy, transforming current limitations into opportunities to support and enhance the transition process.
Socioeconomic and technical factors in European agricultural sustainable waste management: The case of Spain
Authors: García-Agüero Ana Isabel , Castillo-Díaz Francisco José , Belmonte-Ureña Luis J. , Camacho-Ferre Francisco 
Published: January 2025

Research background: Inadequate management of agricultural waste is a growing challenge that poses significant risks to the environmental sustainability of ecosystems due to the lack of detailed information on how socioeconomic factors influence the management of such waste. The importance of addressing this issue is reflected in various European policies, such as Directives 2018/851 and 2018/852. However, current initiatives do not sufficiently consider the factors that affect producers' behavior in terms of waste management, limiting the effectiveness of these policies in improving the sustainability of the sector.
Purpose of the article: This study seeks to identify and analyze the technical, economic, and social factors shaping agricultural waste management practices among farmers and livestock producers. It also proposes policy and organizational recommendations that could serve as benchmarks. Spain, a key player in the European agri-food sector, serves as a case study.
Methods: Data were collected through a structured survey targeting Spanish agricultural and livestock producers, focusing on socioeconomic, technical, and waste management practices. Spain’s primary production system was selected as a representative European case due to its pivotal role in agricultural and livestock output. The survey, distributed via agri-food cooperatives and digital knowledge-sharing platforms, garnered 396 valid responses, achieving a 95% confidence level and a maximum margin of error of 2.2%. The dataset was analyzed using binary logistic regression to estimate the likelihood of effective waste management based on selected explanatory variables.
Findings & value added: The findings highlight that economic factors such as the volume of farm income directly and significantly influence waste management, indicating that higher income favors better management. Other influential factors are of a social nature: level of education, gender and age of producers. This research underscores the urgent need for tailored policy interventions to address these factors, advocating for enhanced waste management initiatives, specialized training programs, and collaborative advisory services in partnership with cooperatives and industry stakeholders.
Digital maturity of Czech SMEs concerning the demographic characteristics of entrepreneurs and enterprises
Authors: Semrádová Zvolánková Světlana , Krajčík Vladimír 
Published: January 2025

Research background: The digital maturity of Czech SMEs is influenced by various factors, including the strategic management practices within these enterprises.
Purpose of the article: The article aims to assess attitudes toward selected aspects of digital maturity in businesses concerning their demographic characteristics and the demographic characteristics of the respondents.
Methods: To meet the aim of the article, quantitative research was carried out through a questionnaire addressed to small and medium-sized enterprises operating in the business environment of the Czech Republic. Statistical methods were verified using non-parametric tests, such as the Kruskal-Wallis test.
Findings & value added: In their daily use, differences in dependence on gender, educational attainment, and age of the entrepreneur are identified. Three of four SME owners/managers said digital skills are needed to fulfil their job responsibilities. There are differences between entrepreneurs regarding the importance of digital skills, expectations, and the presence of computer infrastructure concerning the highest education achieved. There are also partial differences in attitudes with regard to gender. The demographic characteristics of an enterprise, such as the size, duration of the enterprise, and the total value of assets, are only of secondary importance for the perception of digital maturity and SMEs' use of software applications. The effect of demographic characteristics on attitudes towards digital skills and the presence of computer infrastructure in the enterprise has yet to be identified. The findings are important not only for SMEs themselves, but also for structures at the level of national policies responsible for the growth of the business environment. The empirical findings are crucial for national policymakers to better design support systems for SME owners and managers in digital maturity.
Temporally sparse controls for infinite horizon semilinear parabolic equations with norm constraints
Authors: Casas Eduardo , Kunisch Karl 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
In this paper, infinite horizon optimal control problems subject to semilinear parabolic equations are investigated. A finite number of only time-dependent controls intervening at disjoint positions in the space domain are considered. The controls are subject to integral constraints and a term is included in the cost functional that promotes control sparsity. The existence of optimal controls is proven, first and second order optimality conditions are derived, and the approximation by finite horizon control problems is addressed.
On the maximum principle when the endpoints of the optimal trajectory lie on the state boundary
Authors: Dmitruk Andrei V. , Osmolovskii Nikolai P. 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
We consider an optimal control problem in the Mayer form with an autonomous control system, a bounded control set U, endpoint equality constraints, and one pointwise state inequality constraint. We analyze the case when the starting point of the optimal trajectory belongs to the state boundary. A nontrivial maximum principle was obtained for this case by A.Ya. Dubovitskii and V.A. Dubovitskii about 40 years ago, but the proof was written in an extremely condensed form. Here we offer a new proof of their result.
New Lyapunov functions for systems with source terms
Authors: Gugat Martin 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Lyapunov functions with exponential weights have been used successfully as a powerful tool for the stability analysis of hyperbolic systems of balance laws. In this paper we extend the class of weight functions to a family of hyperbolic functions and study the advantages in the analysis of 2 × 2 systems of balance laws. We present cases connected with the study of the limit of stabilizability, where the new weights provide Lyapunov functions that show exponential stability for a larger set of problem parameters than classical exponential weights.
Moreover, we show that sufficiently large time-delays influence the limit of stabilizability in the sense that the parameter set, for which the system can be stabilized becomes substantially smaller.
We also demonstrate that the hyperbolic weights are useful in the analysis of the boundary feedback stability of systems of balance laws that are governed by quasilinear hyperbolic partial differential equations.
The Houses of Creativity: An Integrated Framework of the Creative Process in Honeycomb
Authors: Corcuera María 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
Wallas’ (1926) model, The Art of Thought, is the most popular model of the creative process, coexisting with other later models. It encompasses only cognitive processes: preparation, incubation, illumination, and verification, within a limited stage of the process, excluding other crucial non-mental activities, such as the materialization of the idea or its communication. The 25 models of the creative process analyzed in this study apply a linear temporal framework to a process that is inherently nonlinear. The most popular tests and programs to evaluate and enhance creativity primarily intervene in the ideation stage, and by ignoring other parts of the creative process, they are not effective. Unlike previous models, The Houses of Creativity identify the phases with a conceptual rather than a temporal criterion, structured in a honeycomb pattern, addressing the non-linearity of the process. Additionally, its phases apply not only to creative production but to all tasks susceptible to the process. It includes: supermarket (selecting), temple (observing, perceiving, questioning), library (informing), cabin (ideating), bar (distracting and socializing), warehouse (stockpiling), hobby house (enjoying), laboratory (developing and verifying), and gallery (communicating and convincing). A person who is only good at ideation in the cabin (according to Torrance tests) will not be able to successfully complete the creative process. This theoretical research could pave the way for developing personalized tools to assess and enhance creativity, or to form interdisciplinary teams that incorporate them.
Towards a greener Albania: Balancing economic growth and environmental sustainability through global insights
Authors: Mulaj Admir 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This paper investigates Albania’s economic development trajectory through the lens of sustainable growth, drawing comparisons with nations like South Korea and Costa Rica, which have successfully aligned economic growth with environmental sustainability, while aiming to avoid paths exemplified by Brazil and India. Using econometric models, this study evaluates Albania’s GDP growth dependencies through traditional growth-oriented versus sustainability-focused macroeconomic frameworks, including Green Keynesianism and Ecological Macroeconomics. Key considerations include the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, the role of income in social outcomes, and the principle of strong sustainability in natural capital management. Findings suggest that Albania’s path to sustainable growth will require a multi-faceted approach: reinforcing environmental regulations, incentivizing green technology, fostering international cooperation, and promoting targeted R&D investment. By aligning policies with sustainable practices, Albania has the potential to achieve further economic growth without compromising its environmental assets.
Influencing Social Inclusion and Exclusion of Students from Socially and Economically Weaker Sections of Society in a Private School - Role of School Leadership and other Actors
Authors: Singh Deepika K 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
The paper is based on a qualitative study of a private school based in Ahmedabad, India. The research aimed to understand the practicalities of social inclusion. I argue ‘inclusion’ and ‘exclusion’ are processes and not a condition of being or an event. These processes unfold every moment through interaction of learners and other stakeholders in school. The interaction amongst a particular set of stakeholders is also different in different contexts. The presence and absence of a particular stakeholder/power/position holder influences the interaction. The larger policies are interpreted at multiple levels and converted into systems, processes and structures which further are expected to exhibit certain mindset and behaviour by the key actors. However, the key actors’ behaviour is influenced by presence and absence of ‘others’ who are perceived with power.
The study finds that the implementation of Section 12 (1) (c) of Right of Children to Free and Compulsory Education Act (2009) in the school has been interpreted, and executed by the actors ensuring hitherto excluded groups to access certain spaces, participate in process, voice opinion and views thereby creating conditions of egalitarian change. However, if the larger purpose of education is not contested it could reproduce the same hierarchies that exist in the current education system.
Combining O2 High Flow Nasal or Non-Invasive Ventilation with Cooperative Sedation to Avoid Intubation in Early Diffuse Severe Respiratory Distress Syndrome, Especially in Immunocompromised or COVID Patients?
Authors: Petitjeans Fabrice , Longrois Dan , Ghignone Marco , Quintin Luc 
Published: January 2025

Abstract
This overview addresses the pathophysiology of the acute respiratory distress syndrome (ARDS; conventional vs. COVID), the use of oxygen high flow (HFN) vs. noninvasive ventilation (NIV; conventional vs. helmet) and a multi-modal approach to avoid endotracheal intubation (“intubation”): low normal temperature, cooperative sedation, normalized systemic and microcirculation, anti-inflammation, reduced lung water, upright position, lowered intra-abdominal pressure.
Increased ventilatory muscle activity (“respiratory drive”) is observed in early ARDS, at variance with ventilatory fatigue observed in decompensated chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). This increased drive leads to impending then overt ventilatory failure. Therefore, muscle relaxation presents little rationale and should be replaced by lowering the excessive respiratory drive, increased work of breathing, continued or increased labored breathing, self-induced lung injury (SILI), i.e. preserving spontaneous breathing. As CMV is a lifesaver in the setting of failure but does not heal the lung, side-effects of intubation, controlled mechanical ventilation (CMV), paralysis and deep sedation are to be avoided. Additionally, critical care resources shortage requires practice changes.
Therefore, NIV should be routine when addressing immune-compromised patients. The SARS-CoV2 pandemics extended this approach to most patients, which are immune-compromised: elderly, obese, diabetic, etc. The early COVID is a pulmonary vascular endothelial inflammatory disease requiring lower positive-end-expiratory pressure than the typical pulmonary alveolar epithelial inflammatory diffuse ARDS. This leads one to reassess a) the technique of NIV b) the sedation regimen facilitating continuous and extended NIV to avoid intubation. Autonomic, circulatory, respiratory, ventilatory physiology is hierarchized under HFN/NIV and cooperative sedation (dexmedetomidine, clonidine). A prospective randomized pilot trial, then a larger trial are required to ascertain our working hypotheses.
The Correlation of Hemostatic Parameters with the Development of Early Sepsis-Associated Encephalopathy. A Retrospective Observational Study
Authors: Scarlatescu Florin , Scarlatescu Ecaterina , Tomescu Dana Rodica , Bartos Daniela 
Published: January 2025

Abstract

Introduction
Sepsis-associated encephalopathy (SAE) is one of the most common complications seen both in early and late stages of sepsis, with a wide spectrum of clinical manifestations ranging from mild neurological dysfunction to delirium and coma. The pathophysiology of SAE is still not completely understood, and the diagnosis can be challenging especially in early stages of sepsis and in patients with subtle symptoms.

Aim of the study
The objective of this study was to assess the coagulation profile in patients with early SAE and to compare the hemostatic parameters between septic patients with and without SAE in the first 24 hours from sepsis diagnosis.

Material and methods
This retrospective observational study included 280 patients with sepsis in the first 24 hours after sepsis diagnosis. A complete blood count was available in all patients; a complex hemostatic assessment including standard coagulation tests, plasmatic levels of coagulation factors, inhibitors, D-dimers, and Rotation thromboelastometry (ROTEM, Instrumentation Laboratory) was performed in a subgroup of patients.

Results
Early SAE was diagnosed in 184 patients (65.7%) and was correlated with a higher platelet count, after adjusting for age and leucocyte count. Compared to patients without neurological dysfunction, patients with early SAE presented a more active coagulation system revealed by faster propagation phase, increased clot firmness and elasticity with a higher platelet contribution to clot strength. The initiation of coagulation and clot lysis were not different between the groups.

Conclusion
In the early stages of sepsis, the development of SAE is correlated with increased systemic clotting activity where platelets seem to have an important role. More research is needed to investigate the role of platelets and the coagulation system in relation to the development of early SAE.