bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Paradise under threat: the successful invasion of the freshwater shrimpNeocaridina davidiand its parasites on La Réunion Island
Authors: Prati Sebastian , Faivre Laetitia , de Mazancourt Valentin , Sures Bernd , Valade Pierre
Published: August 2024

Invasive species are one of the major threats to global biodiversity, particularly in hotspots of endemic species, such as oceanic insular ecosystems. Tropical and subtropical islands are particularly vulnerable to biological invasions, with freshwater ecosystems expected to experience the most severe impacts. This is especially true if the insular freshwater fauna comprises a large set of near-threatened to critically endangered species.

This study assesses the establishment of the pet-traded shrimpNeocaridina davidiand its parasites on the island of la Réunion, a biodiversity hotspot within the Malagasy region. We confirm the establishment of feralN. davidiin two river catchments. Moreover, we confirm the presence of the microsporidianEcytonucleospora hepatopenaei, an economically and ecologically relevant parasite that might impact a wide range of native species, including those living in brackish and marine environments. Three other microsporidians, two of which are unknown, have also been detected for the first time inN. davidi, raising concerns over possible spillover-spillback events. Therefore, we recommend timely actions to curb the spread ofN. davidiand its parasites in an effort to preserve the already endangered native freshwater fauna.
Unravelling a mechanistic link between mitophagy defect, mitochondrial malfunction, and apoptotic neurodegeneration in MPS VII
Authors: Mandal Nishan , Das Apurba , Datta Rupak
Published: August 2024

Progressive neurodegeneration and cognitive disability are prominent symptoms of MPS VII, a lysosomal storage disorder caused by β-glucuronidase enzyme deficiency. Yet, the mechanism of neurodegeneration in MPS VII remains elusive thereby limiting the scope of targeted intervention. To address this, we recently developed a β-glucuronidase-deficient (CG2135-/-)Drosophilamodel of MPS VII. The CG2135-/-flies exhibited signs of neuromuscular degeneration, including loss of dopaminergic neurons, and accumulated engorged lysosomes, ubiquitinated proteins and mitochondria in their brains. These observations, coupled with our current finding that the CG2135-/-flies were highly susceptible to starvation, prompted us to investigate potential defects in the autophagy-lysosomal clearance machinery in the brain. We found that both autophagy induction and lysosome-mediated autophagosomal turnover were impaired in the CG2135-/-fly brain. This was evidenced by lower Atg8a-II levels, reduced Atg1 and Ref(2)P expression along with accumulation of lipofuscin-like inclusions and multilamellar bodies. Interestingly, mitophagy was also found to be defective in their brain, causing buildup of enlarged mitochondria with distorted cristae and reduced membrane potential. This, in turn, affected mitochondrial function as reflected by drastically reduced brain ATP levels. Energy depletion triggered apoptosis in neuronal as well as non-neuronal cells of the CG2135-/-fly brain, where we also detected apoptotic dopaminergic neurons. Resveratrol treatment, previously found to protect against loss of dopaminergic neurons in the CG2135-/-flies, has now been shown act by correcting the mitophagy defect and preventing ATP depletion. Collectively, our study establishes a causal link between mitophagy defect, mitochondrial malfunction, and apoptotic neurodegeneration in MPS VII.
Poly-alanine-tailing is a modifier of neurodegeneration caused by Listerin mutation
Authors: Hung Hao-Chih , Costas-Insua Carlos , Holbrook Sarah E. , Stauffer Jennifer E. , Martin Paige B. , Müller Tina A. , Schroeder David G. , Kigoshi-Tansho Yu , Xu Haifei , Rudolf Rüdiger , Cox Gregory A. , Joazeiro Claudio A. P.
Published: August 2024

The surveillance of translation is critical for the fitness of organisms from bacteria to humans. Ribosome-associated Quality Control (RQC) is a surveillance mechanism that promotes the elimination of truncated polypeptides, byproducts of ribosome stalling during translation. In canonical mammalian RQC, NEMF binds to the large ribosomal subunit and recruits the E3 ubiquitin ligase Listerin, which marks the nascent-chains for proteasomal degradation. NEMF additionally extends the nascent-chain’s C-terminus with poly-alanine (‘Ala-tail’), exposing lysines in the ribosomal exit tunnel for ubiquitination. In an alternative, Listerin-independent RQC pathway, released nascent-chains are targeted by Ala-tail-binding E3 ligases. While mutations in Listerin or in NEMF selectively elicit neurodegeneration in mice and humans, the physiological significance of Ala-tailing and its role in disease have remained unknown. Here, we report the analysis of mice in which NEMF’s Ala-tailing activity was selectively impaired. Whereas theNemfhomozygous mutation did not affect lifespan and only led to mild motor defects, genetic interaction analyses uncovered its synthetic lethal phenotype when combined with thelisterneurodegeneration-causing mutation. Conversely, thelisterphenotype was markedly improved when Ala-tailing capacity was partially reduced by a heterozygousNemfmutation. Providing a plausible mechanism for this striking switch from early neuroprotection to subsequent neurotoxicity, we found that RQC substrates that evade degradation form amyloid-like aggregates in an Ala-tail dependent fashion. These findings uncover a critical role for Ala-tailing in mammalian proteostasis, and deepen our molecular understanding of pathophysiological roles of RQC in neurodegeneration.
Research progress on protective performance evaluation and lifetime prediction of organic coatings
Authors: Hao Pan , Dun Yuchao , Gong Jiyun , Li Shenghui , Zhao Xuhui , Tang Yuming , Zuo Yu
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Organic coatings are widely used for protecting metal equipment and structures from corrosion. Accurate detection and evaluation of the protective performance and service life of coatings are of great importance. This paper aims to review the research progress on performance evaluation and lifetime prediction of organic coatings.

Design/methodology/approach

First, the failure forms and aging testing methods of organic coatings are briefly introduced. Then, the technical status and the progress in the detection and evaluation of coating protective performance and the prediction of service life are mainly reviewed.

Findings

There are some key challenges and difficulties in this field, which are described in the end.

Originality/value

The progress is summarized from a variety of technical perspectives. Performance evaluation and lifetime prediction include both single-parameter and multi-parameter methods.
Enhancing cash flow management in Ghanaian financial institutions through effective corporate governance practices
Authors: Mensah Leviticus , Arhinful Richard , Owusu-Sarfo Jerry Seth
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to leverage agency theory to examine the impact of board attributes on cash flow management in Ghana’s financial institutions.

Design/methodology/approach

Data for the study was collected from the annual published financial statements of selected financial institutions, which were obtained from their respective websites. The sampling technique used was purposive, resulting in the selection of 15 financial institutions in Ghana, of which 10 were listed on the Ghana Stock Exchange and 5 were non-listed. The study covered a period of 10 years, ranging from 2011 to 2020. The two-step generalized method of moments estimation was used to determine the relationship between the board attributes and cash flow management.

Findings

The study found that board size had a positive and significant influence on net cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities. The study also discovered that the proportion of nonexecutive directors had a positive and significant influence on net cash flow from operating, investing and financing activities. In addition, it was revealed that the proportion of female directors on the board exhibited a positive and significant influence on net cash flow from operating activities but a negative and significant influence on net cash flow from investing and financing activities.

Practical implications

The study recommends increasing female representation on corporate boards to 25%, as women bring valuable skills, knowledge and experience that positively impact the financial institutions’ cash flows.

Originality/value

This study focused on the impact of board attributes on cash flow management within Ghana. It explored how corporate governance affects strategic decisions related to cash flow management, contributing original insights to this field of research.
Where lean construction and offsite construction meet: a bibliographic scientometric analysis
Authors: Daniel Emmanuel Itodo , Babalola Anthony , Oladinrin Olugbenga Timo , Obi Lovelin Ifeoma , Oshodi Olalekan , Konara Mudiyanselage Ashendra Nikeshala
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Improving construction projects' performance through innovative approaches such as lean construction (LC) and offsite construction (OSC) methods are at the centre of various debates. However, there is a limited understanding of the current link between LC and OSC approaches. This study aims to conduct a scientometric analysis on LC and OSC research to unpack and establish the nexus and suggest future research focus.

Design/methodology/approach

Scientometric analysis was used to systematically examine existing literature on LC and OSC to identify possible connections. Relevant publications were extracted from the Scopus database, using inclusion and exclusion criteria. VOSviewer software was used as a visualisation technique to analyse and map the interrelations and connections of the concepts being studied. Bibliograhic data on the 68 selected papers were extracted from the Scopus database.

Findings

The search results cover the period between 2003 and 2021. Descriptive statistics show that the number of published papers has increased yearly. Researchers in the USA and Canada are the most productive authors regarding the number of published papers. The directions for future research suggested are the need to identify best practices for integrating LC and OSC methods, the need for more interdisciplinary and cross-country collaboration among researchers, the use of alternative research methods will provide a better understanding of the benefit of integrating LC and OSC techniques and more research is needed to showcase how the use of lean and offsite construction can facilitate the attainment of net-zero in the construction industry.

Originality/value

This study provides insights into the trends and gaps in knowledge on integrating LC and OSC methods and offers valuable insights to scholars and practitioners in integrating LC and OSC principles. This knowledge is vital for identifying strategies to improve the outcome of construction projects and contribute to the sustainable socio-economic development of cities across the globe.
The influence of implicit self-theories on ChatGPT usage
Authors: Dinh Tam Duc
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The advent of ChatGPT has fundamentally changed the way people approach and access information. While we are encouraged to embrace the tool for its various benefits, it is yet to be known how to drive people to adopt this technology, especially to improve their life skills. Using implicit self-theories, the current research delineated the distinct way incremental (vs entity) theorists use ChatGPT, which in turn influences their attitude and hence the behavioural intention towards this technology.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed a between-subject experimental design with 100 prolific participants. The manipulation materials were also pre-tested (N = 50). No confound effects such as content clarity, personal interest, and cognitive load were found. For the mediating effect, PROCESS Model 4 with bootstraps 5,000 and CI 95% were employed.

Findings

Individuals who believed that human ability to use technological applications was malleable, i.e. incremental theorists, were more likely to use ChatGPT to improve their life skills. On the other hand, when people believed that such an ability was fixed, i.e. entity theorist, they were less likely to use this new technology. The reason was that through the implicit belief, attitude towards ChatGPT was (more vs less) positively influenced which in turn motivated the behavioural intention. Further, the effect held beyond the impact of demographic factors such as age, gender, occupation, and educational level.

Originality/value

Even though implicit self-theories have received tremendous interest and empirical support, be it generic or domain-specific, the effect of implicit belief in technological applications was not clearly determined. The current research helps to extend the implicit self-theories into the technological domain, and in this case, the usage of ChatGPT. Moreover, the full mediating effect of attitude offers some thought about the revised models of technology acceptance. That is, perhaps it is the combination of (implicit) belief and attitude that may have better predictive power for technological adoption behaviour.
An effective trajectory scheduling method for a 5-DOF hybrid machining robot
Authors: Liu Haitao , Zhou Junfu , Li Guangxi , Xiao Juliang , Zheng Xucang
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to present a new trajectory scheduling method to generate a smooth and continuous trajectory for a hybrid machining robot.

Design/methodology/approach

The trajectory scheduling method includes two steps. First, a G3 continuity local smoothing approach is proposed to smooth the toolpath. Then, considering the tool/joint motion and geometric error constraints, a jerk-continuous feedrate scheduling method is proposed to generate the trajectory.

Findings

The simulations and experiments are conducted on the hybrid robot TriMule-800. The simulation results demonstrate that this method is effectively applicable to machining trajectory scheduling for various parts and is computationally friendly. Moreover, it improves the robot machining speed and ensures smooth operation under constraints. The results of the S-shaped part machining experiment show that the resulting surface profile error is below 0.12 mm specified in the ISO standard, confirming that the proposed method can ensure the machining accuracy of the hybrid robot.

Originality/value

This paper implements an analytical local toolpath smoothing approach to address the non-high-order continuity problem of the toolpath expressed in G code. Meanwhile, the feedrate scheduling method addresses the segmented paths after local smoothing, achieving smooth and continuous trajectory generation to balance machining accuracy and machining efficiency.
Fuzzy financial risk analysis of net-zero transitions in public–private partnership projects in Ghana
Authors: Akomea-Frimpong Isaac , Jin Xiaohua , Osei-Kyei Robert
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Among the topmost challenges, limiting the transformation of conventional public–private partnership (PPP) projects to meet net-zero targets is financial risk. This challenge is more prevalent in PPP projects in developing economies like Ghana, where financial investments have dwindled due to the recent COVID-19 recession. This paper aims to assess the key financial challenges in transitioning to net-zero PPP projects in Ghana.

Design/methodology/approach

The research method process was set as follows. First, a review of the literature to identify the major financial risks from journal articles, project reports and documents was undertaken, followed by questionnaire development and collection of data. Finally, the analysis of 134 questionnaire data was examined with the fuzzy synthetic evaluation.

Findings

The results indicate that the following financial challenges could hinder the transition to net-zero PPP projects in the country: increasing borrowing charges to build net-zero PPP projects due to the global covid-economic recession, poor project financial management, unstable local capital market and excessive labour, health and safety costs.

Research limitations/implications

Although, the study was conducted in Ghana, a country in the Sub-Saharan African region, the outcomes have significant impacts for similar developing countries in research investigations into the problem.

Practical implications

Assistance is provided in this study for PPP project practitioners in identifying the key financial challenges and possible strategies to mitigate them.

Originality/value

Towards net-zero sustainability, this study highlights the crucial financial barriers to overcome in the rapid transition to climate change and zero carbon solutions in PPP projects.
Exploring the feasibility of Muzara’ah based Islamic running finance model as an alternative for agriculture credit
Authors: Daud Hafiz Samiullah , Sharif Saqib
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to highlight the issues encountered by Islamic Banking Institutions (IBIs) while financing the agriculture sector and explore the feasibility of Muzara’ah (crop sharing contract on partnership basis) model based on the concept of revolving credit as an alternative to current models.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the proposed model and gauge the feasibility of Muzara’ah contract, a qualitative research method is applied based on 10 in-depth interviews with qualified industry experts and practitioners. These interviewees are selected following the purposive sampling method, and they belong to Sharīʿah board members of banking institutions, banking industry professionals engaged in agriculture lending, financial regulators (i.e. central bank personnel) and the farming community. Thematic analysis was applied to analyze the data.

Findings

The findings of this study document that Muzara’ah can be a useful alternative/solution for the growth of agriculture sector portfolio of financial institutions. Muzara’ah is cost-effective than other Islamic products, including Salam (a kind of sale in which payment is made on the spot while the delivery of the goods is deferred), and carries the features of revolving credit as offered by conventional banks/counterparts.

Research limitations/implications

The main limitation of the study is that only 10 in-depth interviews are conducted.

Practical implications

The application of the Sharīʿah compliant Muzara’ah model based on the concept of revolving credit could help increase agricultural productivity and revenues and reduce poverty and food insecurity. The research will help IBIs to develop products on the concept of Muzara’ah for farmers and other sectors of the agriculture industry.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, Muzara’ah contract is not offered by formal banking institutions in Pakistan. Hence, the findings contribute to the existing literature and facilitate the policymakers and practitioners in implementing this financial product for the growth of the agriculture sector.
Exploring the role of an initiator in a population health management initiative: insights from action research
Authors: van Ede Anna Francisca Teresia Maria , Bruijnzeels Marc A. , Numans Mattijs E. , Stein K. Viktoria
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to present the learnings of a broker organization that started a new Population Health Management initiative in two regions in the Netherlands. The research focusses on the role of the broker organization itself in supporting stakeholders in the region to adopt a new implementation strategy designed by the broker organisation itself. The basis of this model was to organize, finance and monitor differently to improve the overall health of the population.

Design/methodology/approach

An action research approach was chosen to support the endeavours of the broker organization and to acquire practical knowledge on the role of a third-party in PHM implementation. Qualitative data were collected from documentary analysis, focus groups, logbooks and observational data from team meetings.

Findings

The main result is that the role of the broker organization to implement PHM was subject to change during the more than two years of the research. Several themes emerged that influenced these role changes, both internal and external, showing the complexity of providing PHM implementation support as a third-party to regional stakeholders.

Practical implications

We hypothesize that the role of a third-party changes depending on the maturity of the regional collaboration. The complexity of the transition in healthcare calls for constant adaptations, and thus learning and reflection, from all involved. Action research is a strong tool for this.

Originality/value

This paper is one of the first to report on the role of a third-party in PHM implementation. The action research methodology offered the right amount of flexibility to adhere to the complexity of the context and provided rich insights.
Higher education for students with mental health conditions: the policy and legislative support in India
Authors: Roy Amrita
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The enrolment rates of students with special needs (SwSN) decrease from primary to secondary education and decline steeply in higher education. The incessant impact of stigma and misconceptions about their capability in academic performance acts as a major roadblock for students with mental health conditions (SwMHC) while seeking and pursuing higher education, in addition to the host of other challenges faced by all SwSN. SwMHC are the least represented in higher educational institutions (HEIs) and are seldom considered when it comes to the provision of support and accommodation. Policies across countries aim to make education accessible and inclusive for SwSN, including India. This study aims to appraise the current policies and legislation in terms of the support they provide for SwMHC.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is a “document analysis” of all policies, legislation, schemes and guidelines that impact the higher education of SwMHC to recognize the existing provisions that are likely to impact the higher educational outcomes for SwMHC.

Findings

The issues of access, accommodation, equity, inclusion, and financial support are appropriately handled by the current policies and legislation. The National Education Policy (NEP) 2020 serves as a holistic guidebook and the Rights of Persons with Disabilities Act (RPDA) 2016 provides the legislative framework for realizing education as a ‘right for all.’ The RPDA ensures open gateways of HEIs for all SwSN through reservations and mandating necessary support and accommodation. NEP guides inclusion and equity in higher education. The ‘University Grants Commission’, an autonomous body under the Ministry of Education, is a crucial stakeholder in achieving the vision of supportive policies by formulating requisite guidelines and monitoring their implementation.

Originality/value

The study involved document analysis spanning macro to micro level, i.e. from national policies and legislation to policies and guidelines of autonomous or statutory organizations to institutional-level policies and documents.
Unlocking the role of managers in self-managing teams
Authors: Turner Karynne L. , Monti Alberto , Annosi Maria Carmela
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Recent reports show that knowledge-based sectors contribute significantly to the global economy and underscore the importance of innovation. Innovation in both products and processes is vital to maintaining competitiveness. Self-managing teams, emphasizing autonomy and limiting the role of management, have been viewed as a solution to encourage innovation. However, management's efforts to coordinate and align employees with the organization's interests can inadvertently stifle innovation. Achieving the appropriate balance between granting employees autonomy and retaining managerial involvement is paramount, creating a paradox known as the control-autonomy dilemma. This article highlights the importance of perceived managerial support to strike the appropriate balance.

Design/methodology/approach

Practitioner paper

Findings

To address the control-autonomy dilemma, organizational practices that balance management control and employee autonomy are crucial. These include input practices that emphasize skill development and/or output practices that set clear goals. With self-rule, maintaining perceived managerial support becomes harder. Without it, employees may hesitate to engage in innovative behaviors. While not needing constant supervision, employees do need to have the perception that their managers provide essential resources and motivation for their work.

Originality/value

This paper is the first to highlight how the level of perceived managerial support (PMS) will differ due to the nature of the organizational practices and the type of innovation.
Knowing what not to know: Unravelling the dynamics of selective knowledge in government policymaking
Authors: Gerblinger Christiane
Published: August 2024

The Robodebt controversy in Australia has led to an investigation regarding bureaucratic practices, particularly concerning the dissemination of false or misleading information. While overt falsehoods may be relatively easy to spot, this paper delves into subtler forms of misleading discourse that often evade detection, perpetuating a culture of deliberate ambiguity within governmental institutions. By analysing bureaucratic manoeuvres like feigned ignorance, selective knowledge and silent silencing, this study elucidates how policymakers strategically incorporate uncertainty to shield themselves from blame. Drawing on empirical evidence from the handling of a 2016 state‐wide blackout and the subsequent bureaucratic discourse, the paper highlights how routine bureaucratic interactions contribute to maintaining politically convenient narratives at the expense of transparency and democratic accountability. It proposes three key areas for policy organisations to address: engaging with what is being ignored, redefining objectivity to include diverse perspectives, and leaning into the tension between political desires and necessities.

Points for practitioners

Practitioners should start identifying and addressing subtle forms of misinformation in their own bureaucratic practices. This includes strategies like feigned ignorance, selective knowledge, and silent silencing, which are used to avoid blame and perpetuate a culture of deliberate ambiguity.

By understanding how they employ such strategies, practitioners may be better able to foster diverse perspectives and redefine objectivity in ways that expand upon their institutional expertise.

In politically charged situations, policy advisers may prioritise short‐term expedience, but they do so at the cost of longer term integrity of the public service. Lean into the tension and acknowledge that policy advice is not about turning a blind eye.
Overall adherence in hemodialysis patients and associated factors: A cross‐sectional study from Morocco
Authors: Mazzi L. , Benksim A. , Amane M. , Cherkaoui M.
Published: August 2024

Introduction

Hemodialysis patients' adherence to hemodialysis sessions, medication, diet and, fluid restriction is an essential condition to ensure effective treatment. Therefore, this study aimed to assess the overall adherence of hemodialysis patients in the Marrakech‐Safi region of Morocco.

Methods

A quantitative cross‐sectional study of hemodialysis patients at the Safi, Youssoufia and Ibn Tofail public hemodialysis centers was conducted in the last trimester of 2023 using a questionnaire (ESRD‐AQ), which was completed by analyzing patient records and interviewing patients during the hemodialysis session.

Results

A total of 199 patients were included in this study. Women accounted for 53.3% of patients, 73.9% were under 65 years, 55.8% had been on hemodialysis for more than 5 years, and 62.8% had an Inter‐dialytic‐weight (IDW) ≥ 2.5 kg. Mean scores for adherence to hemodialysis, medication, diet and fluid restriction were 534.92 ± 98.71 out of 600, 113.32 ± 50.86 out of 200, 75.38 ± 42.00 out of 200 and 52.51 ± 53.59 out of 200, respectively. Regarding overall adherence, 24.1% had low adherence, 63.8% had moderate adherence, and 12.1% had good adherence, with a mean score of 793.99 ± 151.28 out of 1200. Our results showed that male gender (p = 0.010, ORa = 5.61), young age (p = 0.004, ORa = 8.48), and short duration on hemodialysis (p = 0.001, ORa = 23.91) were risk factors for low overall adherence.

Conclusion

Our results justify the increased need for educational programs aimed at improving the overall adherence of hemodialysis patients.
Age‐related increase of CD38 directs osteoclastogenic potential of monocytic myeloid‐derived suppressor cells through mitochondrial dysfunction in male mice
Authors: Thiyagarajan Ramkumar , Zhang Lixia , Glover Omar D. , Kwack Kyu Hwan , Ahmed Sara , Murray Emma , Yellapu Nanda Kumar , Bard Jonathan , Seldeen Kenneth L. , Rosario Spencer R. , Troen Bruce R. , Kirkwood Keith L.
Published: August 2024

An aged immune system undergoes substantial changes where myelopoiesis dominates within the bone marrow. Monocytic‐MDSCs (M‐MDSCs) have been found to play an important role in osteoclastogenesis and bone resorption. In this study, we sought to provide a more comprehensive understanding of the osteoclastogenic potential of bone marrow M‐MDSCs during normal aging through transcriptomic and metabolic changes. Using young mature and aged mice, detailed immunophenotypic analyses of myeloid cells revealed that the M‐MDSCs were not increased in bone marrow, however M‐MDSCS were significantly expanded in peripheral tissues. Although aged mice exhibited a similar number of M‐MDSCs in bone marrow, these M‐MDSCs had significantly higher osteoclastogenic potential and greater demineralization activity. Intriguingly, osteoclast progenitors from aged bone marrow M‐MDSCs exhibited greater mitochondrial respiration rate and glucose metabolism. Further, transcriptomic analyses revealed the upregulation of mitochondrial oxidative phosphorylation and glucose metabolism genes. Interestingly, there was 8‐fold increase in Cd38 mRNA gene expression, consistent with the Mouse Aging Cell Atlas transcriptomic database, and confirmed by qRT‐PCR. CD38 regulates NAD+ availability, and 78c, a small molecule inhibitor of CD38, reduced the mitochondrial oxygen consumption rate and glucose metabolism and inhibited the osteoclastogenic potential of aged mice bone marrow‐derived M‐MDSCs. These results indicate that the age‐related increase in Cd38 expression in M‐MDSCs bias the transcriptome of M‐MDSCs towards osteoclastogenesis. This enhanced understanding of the mechanistic underpinnings of M‐MDSCs and their osteoclastogenesis during aging could lead to new therapeutic approaches for age‐related bone loss and promote healthy aging.
Longer skin‐to‐skin contact after birth enhances breastfeeding quality and duration: A cohort study
Authors: Schlesinger Einav , Hatiel Keren , Hod Neomi , Shinwell Eric S.
Published: August 2024

Aim

Skin‐to‐skin contact (SSC) immediately after birth may improve breastfeeding outcomes. This study explored the effect of the duration of SSC in the delivery room on breastfeeding quality and duration.

Methods

In this prospective observational cohort study, mother–infant pairs practising SSC were categorised into two groups based on SSC duration (≤45 or >45 min). Outcomes included breastfeeding quality in the delivery room and at 24 h of age assessed by the Infant‐Breastfeeding Assessment Tool (IBFAT) score, and long‐term breastfeeding duration up to 6 months while accounting for potential confounding variables.

Results

The study included 72 mother–infant pairs. SSC for more than 45 min was significantly correlated with longer immediate breastfeeding (65 vs. 19 min, p < 0.001) and higher breastfeeding quality scores immediately after birth (IBFAT score of 10 vs. 7, p < 0.001).

Regarding the long‐term effect, infants in the extended SSC group were breastfed longer (5.2 vs. 3.7 months, p = 0.005) and had exclusive breastfeeding (4.7 vs. 2.7 months, p > 0.001). No significant confounding variables were identified.

Conclusion

Extended SSC (>45 min) correlated with prolonged, higher‐quality breastfeeding after birth and longer successful breastfeeding.
Microstructural and elemental analyses of slags excavated from the Gushishan iron‐smelting site, Sichuan Province, China
Authors: Li Yingfu , Xiao Hang , Ma Chunyan , Murakami Yasuyuki , Sun Tianqiang , Li Yuniu
Published: August 2024

The Shu Commandery was an important iron production center in southwest China during the Han Dynasty (202 BC‐AD 220). In 2007, archaeologists excavated a Han Dynasty smelting furnace (L1) at the Gushishan site and collected large amounts of smelting remains including slags, furnace bricks, and ores. Scientific analysis of the excavated slags was carried out to ascertain that the Gushishan site was a pig iron smelting site. No flux was used at the Gushishan site, and the site is dated no later than the Eastern Han period. No remains related to iron casting of the Han Dynasty was found at or near the iron smelting sites in southwest China, which indicates a separation between iron smelting and iron casting as characteristics of the industrial layout in this region.
Should Doctor Robot possess moral empathy?
Authors: Sirgiovanni Elisabetta
Published: August 2024

Critics of clinical artificial intelligence (AI) suggest that the technology is ethically harmful because it may lead to the dehumanization of the doctor–patient relationship (DPR) by eliminating moral empathy, which is viewed as a distinctively human trait. The benefits of clinical empathy—that is, moral empathy applied in the clinical context—are widely praised, but this praise is often unquestioning and lacks context. In this article, I will argue that criticisms of clinical AI based on appeals to empathy are misplaced. As psychological and philosophical research has shown, empathy leads to certain types of biased reasoning and choices. These biases of empathy consistently impact the DPR. Empathy may lead to partial judgments and asymmetric DPRs, as well as disparities in the treatment of patients, undermining respect for patient autonomy and equality. Engineers should consider the flaws of empathy when designing affective artificial systems in the future. The nature of sympathy and compassion (i.e., displaying emotional concern while maintaining some balanced distance) has been defended by some ethicists as more beneficial than perspective‐taking in the clinical context. However, these claims do not seem to have impacted the AI debate. Thus, this article will also argue that if machines are programmed for affective behavior, they should also be given some ethical scaffolding.
Hyaluronic acid‐alginate hydrogel stimulates the differentiation of neonatal mouse testicular cells into hepatocyte‐like and other cell lineages in three‐dimensional culture
Authors: Ghaleno Leila Rashki , Hajari Mohammad Amin , Choshali Mahmoud Alipour , Heidari Elham Abed , Shahverdi Abdolhossein , Alipour Hiva , Valojerdi Mojtaba Rezazadeh
Published: August 2024

Background information

Extracellular matrix (ECM)‐derived hydrogels are frequently used in three‐dimensional (3D) cell culture and organoid formation in several tissues. However, in the 3D cultivation of testicular cells, the hyaluronic acid (HA) hydrogel has not received as much attention. This study examined the effects of three distinct composites, including HA‐alginate (HA‐Alg), HA‐alginate‐collagen (HA‐Alg‐Col), and HA‐alginate‐decellularized ECM (HA‐Alg‐dECM), on mouse testicular cell culture and in vitro spermatogenesis.

Methods

For the creation of composites, the concentration of biomaterials used was 0.5% HA, 1% alginate, 2.5 mg/mL collagen, and 25 mg/mL dECM derived from the testicles of Rams. After 3D culture of 5 days post‐partum (dpp) mouse testicular cells for 14 days, HA‐Alg was selected as a superior composite due to the greater number and size of the produced organoids. Then, cell culture was rerun by HA‐Alg for 14 days, which was later extended for an additional 28 days. In addition, the 3D culture of 10 dpp mouse testicular cells was used to compare with 5 dpp mice on day 14. The morphology and gene expression were analyzed using appropriate techniques.

Results

On day 14, the HA‐Alg hydrogel showed significantly more organoids in terms of size and number than the other two groups (p < 0.05); nevertheless, none of the groups showed the expected signs of testis organoids. Remarkably, on day 14, the histology and immunostaining tests revealed features of hepatocyte‐like cells (HLCs) and albumin production as a marker of HLC functionality. Furthermore, the analysis of gene expression verified the significant expression of angiogenesis markers (p < 0.01). After the extended culture to 28 days, 5 dpp testicular cells once more differentiated into erythrocytes and HLCs, while a small number of organoids showed the characteristic of renal cells. Cell culture of 10 dpp mice for 14 days showed a wide range of cell lineages, including renal, glandular, chondrocyte, and hepatocyte‐like cells in comparison to the 5 dpp mice.

Conclusion and significance

While the HA‐Alg composite did not support spermatogenesis in the 3D culture of mouse testicular cells, it demonstrated an unpredicted potential for promoting the differentiation of neonate mouse testicular cells into HLC, erythrocytes, and other cell lineages.
Genomic structural variants analysis in leukemia by a novel cytogenetic technique: Optical genome mapping
Authors: Lu Song , Liu Kefu , Wang Di , Ye Yuan , Jiang Zhiping , Gao Yunhua
Published: August 2024

Genomic structural variants (SVs) play a pivotal role in driving the evolution of hematologic malignancies, particularly in leukemia, in which genetic abnormalities are crucial features. Detecting SVs is essential for achieving precise diagnosis and prognosis in these cases. Karyotyping, often complemented by fluorescence in situ hybridization and/or chromosomal microarray analysis, provides standard diagnostic outcomes for various types of SVs in front‐line testing for leukemia. Recently, optical genome mapping (OGM) has emerged as a promising technique due to its ability to detect all SVs identified by other cytogenetic methods within one single assay. Furthermore, OGM has revealed additional clinically significant SVs in various clinical laboratories, underscoring its considerable potential for enhancing front‐line testing in cases of leukemia. This review aims to elucidate the principles of conventional cytogenetic techniques and OGM, with a focus on the technical performance of OGM and its applications in diagnosing and prognosticating myelodysplastic syndromes, acute myeloid leukemia, acute lymphoblastic leukemia, and chronic lymphocytic leukemia.
Hurdles to hops: How self‐distribution laws affect craft brewery output
Authors: Harrison James M. , Glaser Darrell J.
Published: August 2024

We examine the impact of laws that allow breweries to bypass distributors. We construct a model of heterogeneous firms where some states require pairing with distributors who charge fixed and marginal costs in return for additional market share. The model predicts that states without such requirements have higher output and employment due to greater entry and firm‐level production. To test this model, we exploit the adoption of self‐distribution laws from 2008 to 2019. We find that states that do not require a distributor have higher brewery output and employment, and that this is primarily driven by a greater entry of breweries.
Commentary: A Data‐Driven Analysis of Recent Job Posts to Evaluate the Foundational Competencies
Authors: Cheng Ying , Pei Bo , Filonczuk Audrey , Thu Le Anh
Published: August 2024

The Focal Article (Ackerman et al., 2024) provides a comprehensive framework and detailed guidelines to faculty, students, and measurement professionals. We used a data‐driven approach that examines recent job posts (including full‐time positions at academic institutions, nonprofit organizations, and for‐profit companies, as well as internship positions) to evaluate the match between the skills required by the jobs and the Foundational Competencies and provide summaries and recommendations thereof.
Human resource management in the emerging work ecosystem: Propositions for scholarship and implications for practice
Authors: Subramony Mahesh , Kepes Sven , Groth Markus , Yagil Dana , Solnet David
Published: August 2024

The confluence of changing employment norms and technological innovations is bringing forth a work ecosystem characterized by increases in episodic work, virtuality, individualization of labour, and transformation of jobs. Our paper builds upon existing scholarship, and data on labour trends to propose a framework that views the interactions between key entities (workers, customers, organizations, and platforms) and institutions as continuously shaping the nature of work. Viewing micro‐ecosystems, such as gig work performed using technology platforms and traditional employment ecosystems, as subsets of this emergent work ecosystem, we generate specific propositions to guide human resource management (HRM) research and explore the implications of the emerging work ecosystem for HRM practice.
Interictal stereo‐electroencephalography features below 45 Hz are sufficient for correct localization of the epileptogenic zone and postsurgical outcome prediction
Authors: Klimes Petr , Nejedly Petr , Hrtonova Valentina , Cimbalnik Jan , Travnicek Vojtech , Pail Martin , Peter‐Derex Laure , Hall Jeffery , Pana Raluca , Halamek Josef , Jurak Pavel , Brazdil Milan , Frauscher Birgit
Published: August 2024

Objective

Evidence suggests that the most promising results in interictal localization of the epileptogenic zone (EZ) are achieved by a combination of multiple stereo‐electroencephalography (SEEG) biomarkers in machine learning models. These biomarkers usually include SEEG features calculated in standard frequency bands, but also high‐frequency (HF) bands. Unfortunately, HF features require extra effort to record, store, and process. Here we investigate the added value of these HF features for EZ localization and postsurgical outcome prediction.

Methods

In 50 patients we analyzed 30 min of SEEG recorded during non–rapid eye movement sleep and tested a logistic regression model with three different sets of features. The first model used broadband features (1–500 Hz); the second model used low‐frequency features up to 45 Hz; and the third model used HF features above 65 Hz. The EZ localization by each model was evaluated by various metrics including the area under the precision‐recall curve (AUPRC) and the positive predictive value (PPV). The differences between the models were tested by the Wilcoxon signed‐rank tests and Cliff's Delta effect size. The differences in outcome predictions based on PPV values were further tested by the McNemar test.

Results

The AUPRC score of the random chance classifier was .098. The models (broad‐band, low‐frequency, high‐frequency) achieved median AUPRCs of .608, .582, and .522, respectively, and correctly predicted outcomes in 38, 38, and 33 patients. There were no statistically significant differences in AUPRC or any other metric between the three models. Adding HF features to the model did not have any additional contribution.

Significance

Low‐frequency features are sufficient for correct localization of the EZ and outcome prediction with no additional value when considering HF features. This finding allows significant simplification of the feature calculation process and opens the possibility of using these models in SEEG recordings with lower sampling rates, as commonly performed in clinical routines.
Fibrinogen post‐translational modifications are biochemical determinants of fibrin clot properties and interactions
Authors: Tenopoulou Margarita
Published: August 2024

The structure of fibrinogen and resulting fibrin formed during the coagulation process have important biological functions in human physiology and pathology. Fibrinogen post‐translational modifications (PTMs) increase the complexity of the protein structure and many studies have emphasized the potential associations of post‐translationally altered fibrinogen with the formation of a fibrin clot with a prothrombotic phenotype. However, the mechanisms by which PTMs exert their action on fibrinogen, and their causal association with disease pathogenesis are relatively unexplored. Moreover, the significance of fibrinogen PTMs in health has yet to be appreciated. In this review, the impact of fibrinogen PTMs on fibrinogen functionality is discussed from a biochemical perspective, emphasizing the potential mechanisms by which PTMs mediate the acquisition of altered fibrinogen properties. A brief discussion on dysfibrinogenemias of genetic origin, attributed to single point variations of the fibrinogen molecule is also provided, highlighting the influence that amino acid properties have on fibrinogen structure, properties, and molecular interactions that arise during thrombus formation.
‘DAS MÖRDERISCHE GESETZ DES LEBENS’: ABORTION, EUGENICS AND SOCIAL DARWINISM IN DOLOROSA'S UNFRUCHTBARKEIT (1905) AND DIE STARKEN (1907)
Authors: Borrmann Fatima
Published: August 2024

This article deals with the literary contributions of the overlooked writer Dolorosa (a pseudonym for Maria Eichhorn), examining her work in conjunction with the eugenic and abortion debates prevalent in early twentieth‐century Germany. I analyse two of Dolorosa's novels, Unfruchtbarkeit (1905) and Die Starken (1907), and contextualise them within a broader artistic, cultural, and scientific milieu characterised by a pervasive emphasis on Social Darwinist principles of survival struggle. I also explore how the glorification of strength and competition was gendered during this period: men were often associated with attributes of power and conflict, while women were characterised by selfless and benevolent traits due to their maternal roles. In contrast to many feminists of her time who utilised eugenic ideals of motherhood to advocate for emancipation, Dolorosa diverges from the male‐dominated narrative surrounding survival struggle. Rather than reinforcing the legitimacy of the new ethics of the ‘right of the strong’, Dolorosa's portrayal of mothers grappling for survival prompts critical questioning of these emerging ideologies.