bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025_split huggingface dataset:
Circulating tumour cells are associated with histopathological growth patterns of colorectal cancer liver metastases
Authors: Meyer Y. M. , Wilting S. M. , Kraan J. , Olthof P. , Vermeulen P. , Martens J. , Grünhagen D. J. , Sleijfer S. , Verhoef C. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractHistopathological Growth Patterns (HGPs) have prognostic and predictive value in patients with Colorectal Liver Metastases (CRLM). This study examined whether preoperative measurement of Circulating Tumour Cells (CTCs) is associated with HGP. CTCs were prospectively enumerated in 7.5 ml of blood using the FDA-approved CellSearch system in patients who underwent local treatment of CRLM with curative intent between 2008 and 2021. All CTC samples were collected on the day of local treatment. Patients treated with neoadjuvant chemotherapy for CRLM or with extrahepatic disease at the time of CTC sampling were excluded. HGP was scored retrospectively following the current consensus guidelines. The association between CTCs and HGP was investigated through multivariable logistic regression. Data were available for 177 patients, desmoplastic HGP (dHGP) was observed in 34 patients (19%). There were no statistically significant differences in patient and tumour characteristics between dHGP and non-dHGP at baseline. Patients with dHGP had longer overall – and disease-free survival (logrank p = 0.003 and 0.003, respectively) compared to patients with non-dHGP. CTCs were not detected in 25(74%) of dHGP patients and in 68(48%) of non-dHGP patients (chi-squared p = 0.006). Preoperative absence of CTCs was the only significant predictor for dHGP in multivariable logistic regression (Odds Ratio 2.7, 95%CI 1.1–6.8, p = 0.028), Table 3. Preoperative absence of CTCs is associated with dHGP in chemo naive CRLM patients without extrahepatic disease. Based on our results, CTC count alone is not sufficient to preoperatively identify HGPs, but integration of CTC count in multivariable prediction models may aid the preoperative identification of HGPs of CRLM.
Manufactured exports, disaggregated imports and economic growth: the case of Kuwait
Authors: Kalaitzi Athanasia Stylianou , Chamberlain Trevor W. 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study investigates whether manufactured exports contribute to economic growth and whether imports can augment the role of exports in fostering export diversification. In the case of the latter, the study also examines which categories of imports are most likely to facilitate economic growth in the long run. In particular, the study focuses on the case of Kuwait over the period 1970–2019 and utilizes a Cobb–Douglas production function augmented with manufactured exports and primary and manufactured imports. The long-run relationships between the model variables are explored using two cointegration tests, namely the Johansen test and the dynamic ordinary least squares. The short-run causality is investigated utilizing the multivariate Granger approach in a vector autoregressive model, the parameters of which are assessed for stability using the CUSUM of squares test and recursive residuals plots. To examine the causal relationships in the long run, the Toda and Yamamoto test is applied. The cointegration tests show that the variables are cointegrated, while the Granger causality test shows that manufactured exports and disaggregated imports, together with the inputs of production, cause economic growth in the short run, which, in turn, leads to import growth. In the long run, the expansion of both primary and manufactured imports drives export diversification, whereas manufactured exports do not contribute to economic growth. These findings are very important for Kuwait’s policymakers to consider in their plans to implement Kuwait Vision 2035 as overseas demand for oil wanes.
Characterising contaminants distribution in marine-coastal sediments through multivariate and nonparametric statistical analyses: a complementary strategy supporting environmental monitoring and control
Authors: Ferraro Alberto , Parisi Alessandro , Barbone Enrico , Race Marco , Mali Matilda , Spasiano Danilo , Fratino Umberto 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis work investigates a statistical approach analysing data from monitoring activities on marine-coastal areas for environmental quality determination and surveillance. Analyses were performed on a database of the Environmental Protection and Prevention Agency of the Puglia Region. As, Cr, Ni, and Pb concentration values in marine sediments and biota from 2013 to 2015 and 2017 were processed to investigate different contaminant characteristics. Hierarchical cluster analysis identified three contaminant distribution classes with (1) highest Cr, Ni, and Pb concentrations, (2) highest As concentration, and (3) lowest contaminants concentration. The Kruskal-Wallis and Friedman tests showed that contaminant distributions were statistically different when considering the monitoring years and classes. However, statistical similarities resulted during the 2013–2017 and 2014–2015 periods. Spearman’s coefficients displayed positive correlations among the pollutants in each matrix and mainly negative correlations for matrices comparison. This methodology aims to provide a practical support for monitoring to identify potential environmental deterioration over time and correlations with specific contamination sources.
Comparison of quantitative and semi-quantitative sampling methodologies for biomonitoring of Mediterranean streams using benthic macroinvertebrates: a case study from Greece
Authors: Kazila Eleana , Ntislidou Chrysoula , Voreadou Catherina 
Published: November 2022

AbstractIn Greece, the implementation of the Water Framework Directive for rivers is based mainly on benthic macroinvertebrates and uses a semi-quantitative method with a D-frame net, which is certified by the International Organization for Standardization. Before the official adoption of this method, a quantitative shovel sampler (“Cretan shovel”) was used in southern Greece (Crete), which has been implemented for almost three decades due to the specific river habitats found in Crete (e.g., seasonal flow, narrow riverbeds, and coarse substrates). In this study, we compared community metrics, diversity indices, feeding groups, locomotion types, and ecological quality derived from data collected using timed semi-quantitative kick samples and quantitative shovel samples collected from the same sites simultaneously. In total, 20 samples from the north and south of Greece were collected. The majority of community metrics, diversity indices, and traits were comparable between samplers. However, there were statistically significant differences in the relative abundance of Ephemeroptera, Plecoptera, and Trichoptera, passive filterers’ and the (semi) sessil groups, and Pielou’s index. Most differences in the ecological quality between the kick and shovel samples were observed in 50% of the sites in northern Greece because the shovel is less effective at capturing motile zoobenthos. The ecological quality assessment in Crete by the Cretan shovel is comparable with the D-frame net in 75% of the samples. Thus, the Cretan shovel could efficiently sample the Cretan streams, which are characterized by coarse, narrow, turbulent, and hydrologically fluctuating river habitats. Such comparisons could improve sampling effectiveness and make additional data available to assess ecological quality.
Is it possible to optimise the labour and time intensity of diatom analyses for determination of the Polish Diatom Indices (IO, IOJ)?
Authors: Kryk Adrian , Bąk Małgorzata , Kaniak Aleksandra , Adamczyk Marzena 
Published: November 2022

AbstractDiatom-based indices are a recommended approach in the assessment of the ecological status of lakes and rivers, required by the EU Water Framework Directive. To optimise the time-consuming microscopic analyses, we determined the lowest number of diatom valves needed to be identified (‘counted’) in a sample to arrive at a reliable ecological status assessment based on the Polish multimetric diatom indices (diatom index, IO for rivers, and diatom index for lakes, IOJ). We compared the indices calculated with different valve counts. The dataset consisted of diatom counts in 55 samples collected in the rivers Ina and Drawa (Western Pomerania, NW, Poland) and their lakes. Following the method used by the Polish Chief Inspectorate for Environmental Protection (ChIEP), periphyton samples were collected from macrophytes growing in the rivers and lakes, and diatom slides were prepared. Originally, the ecological status was determined based on identifying 400 valves per slide. In the subsequent simulation, 50, 100, 150, 200, 250, 300, 350 and 400 valves per slide were randomly drawn 20 times for each sample and each simulation, and the indices were calculated again. In 87% of our simulations, the ecological status turned out to be identical, regardless of the number of valves identified. However, the standard deviation of the index values was at its highest (> 0.05) with 50 valves, and decreased systematically (below 0.05) for 100 and more valves. Simulated datasets showed logarithmic trend of changes where the compilation and standard deviation was stable above 200 valves identified. Therefore, we recommend simplified methodology for Polish multimetric diatom indices. Reduction of identified valve quantity in a sample to 200 valves would result in over 95% of compliance with classification obtained when 400 valves were identified.
From here to Utopia: Theories of Change in Nonideal Animal Ethics
Authors: Müller Nico Dario 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAnimal ethics has often been criticized for an overreliance on “ideal” or even “utopian” theorizing. In this article, I recognize this problem, but argue that the “nonideal theory” which critics have offered in response is still insufficient to make animal ethics action-guiding. I argue that in order for animal ethics to be action-guiding, it must consider agent-centered theories of change detailing how an ideally just human-animal coexistence can and should be brought about. I lay out desiderata that such a theory of change should suffice so as to be helpful in guiding action. Specifically, a theory of change should determine (1) who needs to do what in order for ideal justice to be achieved in the long run, (2) who should be expected to refuse compliance and how they should be moved to comply, and (3) why specific intermediate steps are necessary. I show how previous “nonideal” contributions, though helpful in other ways, are insufficiently determinate on these points and I sketch a (still somewhat utopian) theory of change for one specific context. This brings animal ethics a crucial step closer to being action-guiding in the real world.
Chemiresistor gas sensors based on conductive copolymer and ZnO blend – prototype fabrication, experimental testing, and response prediction by artificial neural networks
Authors: Kałużyński Piotr , Mucha Waldemar , Capizzi Giacomo , Lo Sciuto Grazia 
Published: November 2022

AbstractNitric oxide(NO), nitrogen dioxide (NO2), nitrous oxide (N2O), and their derivatives generally known as nitrogen oxides (NOx) are primary pollutants in the atmosphere originated from natural and anthropogenic sources. The paper presents investigation of electric performance of novel chemiresistor NOx gas sensors. A novel material was utilized for active sensing layer-conductive copolymer and zinc oxide blend. The main advantage of the presented solution is low-cost and environment-friendly production. A series of this type of sensors was manufactured and tested experimentally. During the tests, the gas flow was controlled and signals of sensor responses, temperature, and humidity were computer-acquired using LabVIEW program. Sensor behavior for different thicknesses of the active layer has been investigated and interpreted. The research revealed that the electrical resistance of the sensors has changed in predictable manner depending on the gas concentrations. A recurrent artificial neural network architecture is proposed as a mathematical model to classify sensor responses to gas concentrations variation in a time-dependent regime. In this research, an enhanced method for gas concentration prediction is proposed using non-linear autoregression model with exogenous input (NARX). The performed simulations show good agreement between simulated and experimental data useful for predictions of sensor gas response.
Biodegradation of Composites of Polylactic Acid and Microfibrillated Lignocellulose
Authors: Yetiş Ferhat , Liu Xuqing , Sampson William W. , Gong R. Hugh 
Published: November 2022

Abstract
We present a study of the controlled biodegradation of polylactic acid (PLA) reinforced with high lignin containing microfibrillated cellulose (MFLC) isolated from chemi-thermomechanical pulp. The surface of MFLC was modified using an acetylation method to decrease its polarity. Biocomposites with different MFLC and acetylated MFLC (Ac-MFLC) contents were fabricated via a solvent casting method. The biodegradation of biocomposites was performed by burying in soil and holding at 45 °C for 30 days. After soil burial, MFLC/biocomposites exhibited higher weight loss (5.4 %) compared to neat PLA (4.2 %) and Ac-MFLC/biocomposites (4.6 %). Morphological analysis results showed surface erosion of the PLA to change with the addition MFLC and Ac-MFLC, resulting in porous formations on the surface of biocomposites. These formations led to the loosening of microfibril-PLA interface in the internal structure, resulting in a significant decrease in the storage modulus of biocomposites. The biocomposites exhibited no antimicrobial properties, confirming their biotic degradability.

Graphical Abstract
Neoglacial lake-ecosystem changes above and below the subarctic Fennoscandian treeline inferred from changes in diatom functional groups
Authors: Rantala Marttiina V. , Kivilä E. Henriikka , Meyer-Jacob Carsten , Atti Sanna , Luoto Tomi P. , Smol John P. , Nevalainen Liisa 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAlgal communities act as sensitive indicators of past and present climate effects on northern lakes, but their responses can vary considerably between ecosystems. Functional trait-based approaches may help us better understand the nature of the diverse biotic responses and their underlying ecosystem changes. We explored patterns in diatom (Bacillariophyceae) growth forms and species composition during the Neoglacial in two shallow lakes typical of subarctic regions, including a dark-colored woodland lake and a clear tundra lake. Sediment carbon and nitrogen elemental and isotope biogeochemistry and spectral indices were used to track broadscale changes in lake productivity, the inflow of organic carbon from land, and benthic substratum over the past three millennia. The biogeochemical indices tracked declines in land-lake connectivity as well as lake-water and sediment organic enrichment above and below the subarctic treeline driven by Neoglacial cooling. This broadscale environmental transition was intercepted by periods of elevated primary production associated with transient Neoglacial warm anomalies and, in particular, the twentieth century warming. Although the Neoglacial development of the lakes showed conspicuous similarities, diatom functional and taxonomic responses were not uniform between the lakes pointing to intrinsic differences in the development of benthic habitats and underwater-light regimes. Many of the observed biotic shifts aligned with expectations based on earlier research linking diatom functional traits to changing light and organic levels but the results also point to further research needs, particularly to better differentiate the individual and interactive effects of substratum and light. Despite distinct anthropogenic imprints in the biogeochemical record, the scale of human impact on the lakes’ biota has not, as yet, been profound, but the changes are nonetheless clear when compared to the previous three millennia of natural lake development.
Combining staged laparoscopic colectomy with robotic completion proctectomy and ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) in ulcerative colitis for improved clinical and cosmetic outcomes: a single-center feasibility study and technical description
Authors: Birrer Dominique Lisa , Frehner Maurus , Kitow Janina , Zoetzl Kim-Marie , Rickenbacher Andreas , Biedermann Luc , Turina Matthias 
Published: November 2022

AbstractRobotic proctectomy has been shown to lead to better functional outcomes compared to laparoscopic surgery in rectal cancer. However, in ulcerative colitis (UC), the potential value of robotic proctectomy has not yet been investigated, and in this indication, the operation needs to be adjusted to the total colectomy typically performed in the preceding 6 months. In this study, we describe the technique and analyze outcomes of a staged laparoscopic and robotic three-stage restorative proctocolectomy and compare the clinical outcome with the classical laparoscopic procedure. Between December 2016 and May 2021, 17 patients underwent robotic completion proctectomy (CP) with ileal pouch–anal anastomosis (IPAA) for UC. These patients were compared to 10 patients who underwent laparoscopic CP and IPAA, following laparoscopic total colectomy with end ileostomy 6 months prior by the same surgical team at our tertiary referral center. 27 patients underwent a 3-stage procedure for refractory UC (10 in the lap. group vs. 17 in the robot group). Return to normal bowel function and morbidity were comparable between the two groups. Median length of hospital stay was the same for the robotic proctectomy/IPAA group with 7 days [median; IQR (6–10)], compared to the laparoscopic stage II with 7.5 days [median; IQR (6.25–8)]. Median time to soft diet was 2 days [IQR (1–3)] vs. 3 days in the lap group [IQR 3 (3–4)]. Two patients suffered from a major complication (Clavien–Dindo ≥ 3a) in the first 90 postoperative days in the robotic group vs. one in the laparoscopic group. Perception of cosmetic results were favorable with 100% of patients reporting to be highly satisfied or satisfied in the robotic group. This report demonstrates the feasibility of a combined laparoscopic and robotic staged restorative proctocolectomy for UC, when compared with the traditional approach. Robotic pelvic dissection and a revised trocar placement in staged proctocolectomy with synergistic use of both surgical techniques with their individual advantages will likely improve overall long-term functional results, including an improved cosmetic outcome.
Wirkmechanismen körperlicher Aktivität auf den Schlaf bei Patienten mit Depression: Ein Narratives Review
Authors: Brupbacher Gavin , Schneiders Anke , Schmidt-Trucksäss Arno , von Känel Roland , Straus Doris 
Published: November 2022

ZusammenfassungInsomnie ist eines der Kardinalsymptome einer unipolaren Depression. Insomnie hat dabei einen negativen Einfluss auf den Krankheitsverlauf, ist eines der häufigsten Residualsymptome und ein Risikofaktor für ein Rezidiv. Im vorliegenden Überblick werden mögliche Wirkmechanismen von körperlichem Training auf den Schlaf bei Patienten mit Depression zusammengefasst. Die vorgestellten Mechanismen beruhen auf Daten aus In-vitro‑, Tier- und Humanstudien, welche die Effekte von Kraft‑, Ausdauer- und Mind-Body-Training untersuchen. Sowohl akutes Training als auch über mehrere Wochen regelmäßig absolviertes Training kann über verschiedene Signalwege positive Effekte auf den Schlaf bei Patienten mit Depression haben. Folgende Mechanismen sind dabei relevant: Zeitgebereffekte, Energiekonservierung, Regeration, Thermoregulation, psychophysiologische Effekte und „tissue–brain crosstalk“. Diese Befunde sind relevant, um die Therapie von nichtorganischen Schlafstörungen im Rahmen einer depressiven Episode besser zu verstehen, weiterzuentwickeln und auf individuelle Patienten anzupassen.
Energy Sovereignty: A Values-Based Conceptual Analysis
Authors: Timmermann Cristian , Noboa Eduardo 
Published: November 2022

AbstractAchieving energy sovereignty is increasingly gaining prominence as a goal in energy politics. The aim of this paper is to provide a conceptual analysis of this principle from an ethics and social justice perspective. We rely on the literature on food sovereignty to identify through a comparative analysis the elements energy sovereignty will most likely demand and thereafter distinguish the unique constituencies of the energy sector. The idea of energy sovereignty embraces a series of values, among which we identified: (i) accessibility, to allow access to everyone, (ii) empowerment and recognition, to develop and sustain capabilities to collaboratively produce solution-oriented energy system knowledge and effectively participate in governance, (iii) stewardship and sustainability, to be able to design and manage decentralised renewable systems in view of protecting the environment, (iv) self-sufficiency, to reduce the negative shocks of exploitative business practises, (v) resilience, to maintain production capacities while withstanding socioeconomic, political, environmental and climatic shocks, (vi) peace, to establish production systems that do not involve hostile relations, (vii) transparency and self-determination, to establish democratic decision-making mechanisms that give a voice to previously underrepresented groups and limit corporate takeover (viii) gender-justice, by acknowledging the contributions of women and eliminate barriers to their empowerment. With a conceptual framework of energy sovereignty, we present a rationale that draws on the key values to be considered when formulating policy solutions for the energy sector.
Clothing motivation, online critical thinking, and the behavioural intention of clothing collocation: Mediation analysis on Chinese youth
Authors: Li Yingyan , Feng Xiangyuan 
Published: November 2022

AbstractRecent years have witnessed a boom of fashion blogging sharing information about clothing and cosmetics on diverse social media platforms. Constant exposure to fashion-related digital information heavily impacts the conception and behaviours of Chinese youth. Compared to the substantial studies on the impact of social media, scarce research has been conducted on how youth’s cognitive processing of fashion-related digital information interacts with motivational factors to determine the subsequent behaviours. This study made an initial attempt to address this issue by exploring the successive associations between clothing motivation (amotivation, controlled, and autonomous motivation), online critical thinking (for information credibility, objectivity, and relevance), and the subsequent behavioural intention. A total of 1997 Chinese youth with diverse educational backgrounds voluntarily participated in the study. Results confirmed the direct links between clothing motivation and the behavioural intention, and these links were mediated by different online critical thinking practices. This study provides new insights for both practitioners and scholars in the fields of education, psychology, social media, and marketing.
Interactions Between Teachers and Students with Autism Spectrum Disorder in Mainstream Secondary Education: Fundamental, yet Under-Researched
Authors: Esqueda Villegas Fernanda , van der Steen Steffie , Minnaert Alexander 
Published: November 2022

AbstractThis study aimed to identify which aspects of teacher-student interactions contribute to a successful inclusion of students with autism spectrum disorder (ASD) in mainstream secondary classrooms. The Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-Analyses (PRISMA) guidelines were followed. Eight studies fulfilled our criteria, and we identified teacher-related and student-related themes. Most of the included studies did not focus on interactions between teachers and students with ASD, but on requirements that could influence these interactions. Teachers often seemed to infer the needs of students with ASD during their interactions, which, as we illustrate, may not always be in line with their actual needs. We discuss the implications of this gap in the literature and how to bridge this gap.