bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Prognostic significance of post-preoperative tumor markers increments in patients with non-metastatic gastric cancer
Authors: Zhu Xiao-Dong , Zhang Li-Xiang , Luo Pan-Quan , Zhu Hai , Wei Zhi-Jian , Xu A-Man
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Carcinoembryonic antigen (CEA) and carbohydrate antigen 19-9 (CA19-9) are the most common tumor markers detected before and after gastric cancer (GC) surgery. However, the impact of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments on prognosis of GC remains unclear. In addition, there is no research incorporating post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments into the prognostic model.

Methods

Patients who underwent radical gastrectomy for GC at the First Affiliated Hospital of Anhui Medical University and Anhui Provincial Hospital from January 2013 to December 2017 were enrolled and divided into the discovery and validation cohort. Prognostic value of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments and preoperative CEA/CA199 levels were assessed by Kaplan–Meier log-rank analysis and compared by time-dependent receiver operating characteristic (t-ROC) curves. Multivariate Cox regression analysis was applied to establish the nomogram. The performance of the prognostic model was validated by the concordance index (C-index), calibration curve, and ROC curve analysis.

Results

A total of 562 GC patients were included in this study. Overall survival (OS) rates decreased with an increasing number of incremental tumor markers after surgery. The t-ROC curves implied that the prognostic ability of the number of incremental post-preoperative tumor markers was superior to that of the number of positive preoperative tumor markers. Cox regression analysis suggested that the number of incremental post-preoperative tumor markers was an independent prognostic factor. The nomogram incorporated with the post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments showed reliable accuracy.

Conclusions

Incremental post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 were indicator of poor prognosis of GC. The prognostic value of post-preoperative CEA/CA19-9 increments exceed that of preoperative CEA/CA19-9 levels.
Calabi type functionals for coupled Kähler–Einstein metrics
Authors: Nakamura Satoshi
Published: July 2023

We introduce the coupled Ricci–Calabi functional and the coupled H-functional which measure how far a Kähler metric is from a coupled Kähler–Einstein metric in the sense of Hultgren–Witt Nyström. We first give corresponding moment weight type inequalities which estimate each functional in terms of algebraic invariants. Secondly, we give corresponding Hessian formulas for these functionals at each critical point, which have an application to a Matsushima type obstruction theorem for the existence of a coupled Kähler–Einstein metric.
Fast transport diffusion of bound water in cellulose fiber network
Authors: Zou Yuliang , Maillet Benjamin , Brochard Laurent , Coussot Philippe
Published: July 2023

A remarkable property of cellulose-based materials is that they can absorb huge amounts of water (25% of the dry mass) from ambient vapor, in the form of bound water confined at a nanoscale in the amorphous regions of the cellulose structure. The control of the dynamics of sorption and desorption of bound water is a major stake for the reduction of energy consumption and material or structure damages, but in the absence of direct observations this process is still poorly known. Here we present measurements of bound water transport thanks to Nuclear Magnetic Resonance relaxometry and Magnetic Resonance Imaging measurements. We show that the bound water is transported along the fibers and throughout the network of fibers in contact. For each material a single transport diffusion coefficient value allows to represent the processes over the whole range of saturation. The dependence of the transport diffusion coefficient on the fiber density and orientation is then analyzed to deduce the (elementary) transport diffusion coefficient of bound water along a cellulose fiber axis. This constitutes fundamental physical data which may be compared with molecular simulations, and opens the way to the prediction and control of sorption dynamics of all cellulosic materials or other hygroscopic materials.
PUL – die schwierige Diagnostik in der Frühschwangerschaft
Authors: Feil Katharina
Published: July 2023

Eine „pregnancy of unknown location“ (PUL) bezeichnet eine unklar gelegene Schwangerschaft mit laborchemischem Nachweis von hCG ohne sonographischen Schwangerschaftsnachweis. Ab einem hCG-Wert von 1000 IU/l sollte sonographisch eine intrauterine Fruchthöhle erkennbar sein. Bei einer ektopen Schwangerschaft sind meistens nur indirekte Ultraschallzeichen wie das „bagel sign“, das „blob sign“ oder freie Flüssigkeit darstellbar. Da sich kein Verlauf des hCG-Werts festlegen lässt, bei dem eine ektope Schwangerschaft sicher ausgeschlossen werden kann, müssen serielle hCG-Werte immer im Kontext mit den klinischen und sonographischen Befunden beurteilt werden. Die therapeutischen Optionen sind ein exspektatives Vorgehen, die medikamentöse Intervention oder eine operative Therapie.
Action Guidance and Educating for Intellectual Virtue: A Response to Kotzee, Carter, and Siegel
Authors: McKeon Matthew , Ferkany Matthew
Published: July 2023

In their “Educating for Intellectual Virtue: A Critique from Action Guidance” Kotzee, Carter and Siegel (2019) argue against what they call the intellectual virtues (IV) approach to the primary epistemic aim of education and in favor of what they call the critical thinking (CT) approach. The IV approach says that educating for intellectual virtue is the primary epistemic aim of education. The CT approach says that it is educating for critical thinking. They argue that the exemplarist/role-modeling pedagogy of the IV approach is not sufficiently action-guiding, because it does not teach students the know-how needed to think well. This they call the pedagogical challenge to the IV approach. We argue that their criticism of the IV approach fails. In general, possessing an intellectual virtue requires having a corresponding critical-thinking skill set. Also, for one to exercise critical-thinking skills well it is necessary that they possess dispositional components of corresponding intellectual virtues. Accordingly, intellectual virtues can be groomed in non-exemplarist ways that seem sufficiently action-guiding. Furthermore, the pedagogical challenge for the IV approach is a challenge for the CT approach as teaching for critical-thinking dispositions seems heavily reliant on an exemplarist pedagogy and so to this extent is non-action-guiding.
Estimating the cost of inappropriate antibiotic prophylaxis prior to dental procedures
Authors: Gong Cynthia L. , Duong Anh , Zangwill Kenneth M.
Published: July 2023

Inappropriate dental antibiotic prescriptions to prevent infective endocarditis in the United States results in ∼$31 million in excess costs to the healthcare system and patients. This includes out-of-pocket costs ($20.5 million), drug costs ($2.69 million) and adverse event costs (eg, Clostridioides difficile and hypersensitivity) of $5.82 million (amoxicillin), $1.99 million (clindamycin), and $380,849 (cephalexin).
The number ofOesophagostomumspp. larvae recovered in coprocultures varies with media used
Authors: Hernandez Alexander D. , Kantner Billie , Santos Emely , Major Sara , Carr Rick , Li Yuzhi
Published: July 2023

Nodular roundworms (Oesophagostomumspp.) are frequent parasites of the large intestine in several mammal species including humans and pigs, and their study often requires the use of infective larvae produced using several coproculture techniques. However, there is no published comparison of techniques to determine which yields the highest number of larvae. This study compares the number of larvae recovered from coprocultures made with charcoal, sawdust, vermiculite, and water in an experiment repeated twice using feces from a sow naturally infected withOesophagostomumspp. at an organic farm. A higher number of larvae were recovered from coprocultures using sawdust relative to other types of media used, and this was consistent across the two trials. The use of sawdust to cultureOesophagostomumspp. larvae is rarely reported and our study suggests it can yield higher numbers relative to other media.
La mise en abyme d’un projet intergénérationnel de recherche: Un comité intergénérationnel comme processus et sujet de recherche
Authors: Paris Mario , Audet Mélisa , Brochu Hélène , Brochu Martin , Desjardins Claude , Langlois Lise , Rousseau Christine
Published: July 2023

Les projets de nature intergénérationnelle sont aujourd’hui hautement valorisés par les décideurs publics et les responsables académiques. La pandémie de COVID-19 a fait ressurgir l’importance des relations entre les générations et des projets intergénérationnels ancrés dans la communauté. Cet article présente les résultats d’une étude visant à faire travailler ensemble des personnes aînées et des jeunes adultes au sein d’un projet intergénérationnel ancré dans la communauté. La particularité dans cette étude c’est qu’elle utilise une démarche méthodologique co-constructive, c’est-à-dire qu’elle jumelle des chercheurs et des chercheures académiques de différents horizons et des personnes aînées citoyennes tout au long du processus de recherche. Les résultats portent particulièrement sur les attentes des personnes participantes au projet intergénérationnel, la description du déroulement du projet (sur une période de dix mois) et les perceptions des relations intergénérationnelles au cours du projet. Nous terminons l’article par une discussion autour des constats centraux de notre étude et de notre expérience dans le cadre d’une recherche co-constructive.
California’s Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) Be Better social marketing campaign: mothers’ fruit and vegetable consumption and facilitation of children’s healthy behaviours
Authors: Cordon Ingrid M , Doerr Celeste , Whetstone Lauren
Published: July 2023

Objective:

Evaluation of California Department of Public Health’s three-year social marketing campaign (Be Better) to encourage healthy eating and water consumption among Supplemental Nutrition Assistance Program-Education (SNAP-Ed) California mothers. Andreasen’s social marketing framework was used to outline the development and evaluation of the campaign.

Design:

Quantitative, pre-post cross-sectional study with three cohorts nested within survey years. Generalised estimating equation modeling was used to obtain population estimates of campaign reach and changes in mothers’ fruit and vegetable (FV) consumption and facilitative actions towards their children’s health behaviours.

Setting:

CalFresh Healthy Living (California’s SNAP-Ed).

Participants:

Three separate cohorts of SNAP mothers were surveyed (pre, post) between 2016 and 2018 inclusive. A total of 2229 mothers (ages 18–59) self-identified as White, Latina, African American or Asian/Pacific Islander participated.

Results:

Approximately 82 percent of surveyed mothers were aware of the campaign as assessed by measures of recall and recognition. Ad awareness was positively associated with mothers’ FV consumption (R2 = 0·45), with the proportion of FV on plates and with behaviours that facilitate children’s FV consumption and limit unhealthy snacks and sugary drinks (βs ranged from 0·1 to 0·7).

Conclusions:

The campaign successfully reached 82 percent of surveyed mothers. Positive associations between California’s Be Better campaign and targeted health behaviours were observed, although the associations varied by year and media channel (i.e. television, radio, billboards and digital). Most associations between ad awareness and outcomes were noted in years two and three of the campaign, suggesting that more than 1 year of campaign exposure was necessary for associations to emerge.
Simplified engineering geomorphic unit-based seismic site characterization of the detailed area plan of Dhaka city, Bangladesh
Authors: Hossain Md Shakhawat , Numada Muneyoshi , Mitu Momtahina , Timsina Kishor , Krisna Chaitaniya , Rahman Md. Zillur , Kamal A. S. M. Maksud , Meguro Kimiro
Published: July 2023

Severe failure of improperly designed and poorly constructed structures may occur due to the amplified and prolonged ground motion during an earthquake, and hence prediction of the ground motion characteristics at the soil surface is crucial. In this study, based on the prepared simplified engineering geomorphic map, we performed a one-dimensional (1D) nonlinear site response analysis for seismic site characterization of the recently proposed Detailed Area Plan (DAP) area of Dhaka City, the Capital of Bangladesh. The engineering geomorphic unit-based map was prepared from image analysis and verified with the collected borehole data and surface geology map. The study area was classified into three major geomorphic units and seven sub-units subject to the subsurface soil profiles. Nine earthquake time histories, seven from the PEER NGA WEST2 data set and two synthetics, and seven identified subsurface soil profiles were used for nonlinear site response analysis, along with the BNBC 2020 uniform hazard spectrum as the target spectrum. For the selected earthquake ground motions, the near-surface soil response of the DAP area showed de-amplification of acceleration in the short period and amplification of acceleration in the long period. The amplified long-period acceleration could cause severe damage in inappropriately designed and poorly constructed long-period structures. The outcome of this study could be used to prepare a seismic risk-sensitive land use plan for the future development of the DAP of Dhaka City.
ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagic-lysosomal system that prevents tumor growth in vitro and in vivo
Authors: Nomura Teiko Komori , Endo Satoshi , Kuwano Takuma , Fukasawa Kazuya , Takashima Shigeo , Todo Tomoki , Furuta Kyoji , Yamamoto Takuhei , Hinoi Eiichi , Koyama Hiroko , Honda Ryo
Published: July 2023

ARL-17477 is a selective neuronal nitric oxide synthase (NOS1) inhibitor that has been used in many preclinical studies since its initial discovery in the 1990s. In the present study, we demonstrate that ARL-17477 exhibits a NOS1-independent pharmacological activity that involves inhibition of the autophagy-lysosomal system and prevents cancer growth in vitro and in vivo. Initially, we screened a chemical compound library for potential anticancer agents, and identified ARL-17477 with micromolar anticancer activity against a wide spectrum of cancers, preferentially affecting cancer stem-like cells and KRAS-mutant cancer cells. Interestingly, ARL-17477 also affected NOS1-knockout cells, suggesting the existence of a NOS1-independent anticancer mechanism. Analysis of cell signals and death markers revealed that LC3B-II, p62, and GABARAP-II protein levels were significantly increased by ARL-17477. Furthermore, ARL-17477 had a chemical structure similar to that of chloroquine, suggesting the inhibition of autophagic flux at the level of lysosomal fusion as an underlying anticancer mechanism. Consistently, ARL-17477 induced lysosomal membrane permeabilization, impaired protein aggregate clearance, and activated transcription factor EB and lysosomal biogenesis. Furthermore, in vivo ARL-17477 inhibited the tumor growth of KRAS-mutant cancer. Thus, ARL-17477 is a dual inhibitor of NOS1 and the autophagy-lysosomal system that could potentially be used as a cancer therapeutic.
Enhanced reduction of multiple layers carbon containing pellets in rotary hearth furnace
Authors: He Hongsheng , Lv Xiaofang , Huang Liying
Published: July 2023

To enhance the reduction of multiple layers carbon containing pellets in rotary hearth furnace (RHF) process, a three-layer bed pellets were investigated using an electric furnace by simulating the RHF process. It was found that the metallization rate of the pellets on the upper layer was greatly higher than that on the middle and lower layers due to the low reduction efficiency and heat transfer efficiency. Various types and amount of reducing agent in carbon containing pellets showed different metallization rate and shrinkage rate, which affected the reduction efficiency and heat transfer efficiency of pellets. By optimization the type and amount of reducing agent, the metallization rates of reduced pellets for each layer of the bed all achieved more than 85% at 1300 °C and holding 20min, the metallization rates of reduced pellets for each layer of the bed reached over 90% at 1300 °C and holding 25 min.
Entwicklung eines Selbstauskunftsfragebogens zur Erfassung
stigmatisierender Einstellungen des psychiatrischen Personals gegenüber
Patienten mit Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung
Authors: Schäfer Marvin , Luck-Sikorski Claudia , Hochrein Regine , Schomerus Georg , Gollek Sabine
Published: July 2023

Ziel der Studie Die Entwicklung eines Selbstauskunftfragebogens, zur
quantitativen Erfassung stigmatisierender Einstellungen des psychiatrischen
Personals gegenüber Patienten mit
Borderline-Persönlichkeitsstörung.

Methode Online-Befragung von Psychiatern, Psychologen und
Pflegekräften (n=94) des (teil-) stationären
psychiatrischen Bereichs mit übersetzten Items eines
Einstellungs-Fragebogens, anschließende Hauptkomponentenanalyse und
Korrelation der Hauptkomponenten mit sozialer Distanz.

Ergebnisse Hauptkomponentenanalyse zeigte eine 4-Hauptkomponentenstruktur
mit 63,60% Varianzaufklärung und kleine bis große
Korrelationen zwischen den Hauptkomponenten und sozialer Distanz.

Schlussfolgerung Es können sich initiale Hinweise für
Validität und Reliabilität des entwickelten Fragebogens sowie
Notwendigkeit zusätzlicher Analysen mit größerer
Stichprobe und konfirmatorischer Faktorenanalyse für
weiterführende Fragebogenentwicklung ableiten lassen.
„Aber ohne therapeutische Begleitung, schaffe ich es
nicht“ – Exploration von Erfahrungen von Menschen mit
psychischen Erkrankungen hinsichtlich der Unterstützung bei
ernährungsbezogenen Problemen
Authors: Peisser Anna Maria , Cornet Sebastian , Moerkl Sabrina , Müller-Stierlin Annabel
Published: July 2023

Ziel der Studie In dieser Studie untersuchten wir die subjektiven
Erfahrungen und Wünsche von Betroffenen in Bezug auf ernährungs-
und gewichtsbezogene Unterstützung im Rahmen der Regelversorgung.

Methodik Insgesamt wurden 16 Interviews mit Erwachsenen mit einer schweren
psychischen Erkrankung anhand eines semi-strukturierten Leitfadens in Ulm
(Deutschland) und Graz (Österreich) durchgeführt und qualitativ
ausgewertet.

Ergebnisse Einige Betroffenen kritisierten die aus ihrer Sicht
unzureichende Unterstützung durch Fachkräfte bei
ernährungs- und gewichtsbezogenen Problemen und wünschen sich
eine stärkere Adressierung dieser Themen in der psychiatrischen
Versorgung.

Schlussfolgerung Die Implementierung von gesundheitsfördernden
Angeboten in der psychiatrischen Versorgung ist wichtig, um eine aus
Betroffenensicht bedürfnisorientierte Versorgung zu schaffen. Durch
interdisziplinäre Versorgungskonzepte könnten
Verantwortlichkeiten diesbezüglich auf mehrere Berufsgruppen verteilt
werden.
Left thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy: contemporary update on technique and outcomes
Authors: Singh Mohan , Low Donald E , Maynard Nicholas D
Published: July 2023

This contemporary guide to left thoracoabdominal oesophagectomy details the surgical aspects, surgical considerations, and outcomes from the two largest centres in the world that perform this procedure. The left thoracoabdominal approach increases the potential for negative resection margins in distal oesophageal, junctional, and cardial cancers. High-volume oesophageal centres should consider including the left thoracoabdominal approach in their operative options and ensure that their trainees are exposed to this unique approach to oesophagogastric resections.
Solving non-linear optimization problems by a trajectory approach
Authors: Drezner Zvi , Miklas-Kalczynska Malgorzata
Published: July 2023

Accepted by: Konstantinos Nikolopoulos

We propose solving non-linear optimization problems by a trajectory method. A parameter is introduced into the optimization problem. For example, a variable in the original formulation is replaced by its squared value. The parameter is the power at which the variable is raised. For a particular value of the parameter (power of 2), the optimal solution is easily obtained. The original optimization problem is defined for another value of the parameter (power of 1). As another example, the means and standard deviations of a function based on a set of variables can be calculated. We multiply the standard deviations by a factor (the parameter) between 0 and 1. Suppose that the problem is easily solvable for zero standard deviations (factor of 0). If we ‘slowly’ increase the factor, the solution moves to the desired solution for a factor of 1. A trajectory connects the easily obtained solution to the desired solution. We trace the trajectory and the solution for the optimization problem is at the end of the trajectory. The procedure is applied for solving the single facility Weber location problem, and a competitive location problem with good results.
Effects of Early Versus Delayed Feeding in Patients With Acute Pancreatitis
Authors: Liang Xi-Ying , Wu Xin-An , Tian Ying , Gao Hang , Chen Jing-Jing , Feng Quan-Xin
Published: July 2023

Background:

The aim of this study was to summarize the optimal strategy for early feeding in patients with acute pancreatitis.

Methods:

The search was undertaken in electronic databases, which compared early with delayed feeding in acute pancreatitis. The primary outcome was the length of hospital stay (LOHS). The second outcomes were intolerance of refeeding, mortality, and total cost of each patient. This meta-analysis followed the “Preferred Reporting Items for Systematic Reviews and Meta-analyses” guideline. Research is registered by PROSPERO, CRD42020192133.

Results:

A total of 20 trials involving 2168 patients were included, randomly assigned to the early feeding group (N = 1033) and delayed feeding group (N = 1135). The LOHS was significantly lower in the early feeding group than the delayed feeding group (mean difference: −2.35, 95% CI: −2.89 to −1.80; P < 0.0001), no matter the mild or severe subgroup (P
int = 0.69). The secondary outcome of feeding intolerance and mortality were no significant difference (risk ratio: 0.96, 0.40 to 2.16, P = 0.87 and 0.91, 0.57 to 1.46, P = 0.69; respectively). Moreover, the hospitalization cost was significantly less in the early feeding group, resulting in an average savings of 50%. In patients with severe pancreatitis, early feeding after 24 hours may be beneficial (P
int = 0.001).

Conclusion:

Early oral feeding can significantly reduce the LOHS and hospitalization costs in patients with acute pancreatitis without increasing feeding intolerance or mortality. In patients with severe pancreatitis, early feeding after 24 hours may be beneficial.
Federated Learning for Diagnosis of Age-related Macular Degeneration
Authors: Gholami Sina , Lim Jennifer I. , Leng Theodore , Ong Sally Shin Yee , Thampson Atalie Carina , Alam Minhaj Nur
Published: July 2023

This paper presents a federated learning (FL) approach to train deep learning models for classifying age-related macular degeneration (AMD) using optical coherence tomography image data. We employ the use of residual networks and vision transformer encoders for the normal vs AMD binary classification, integrating four unique domain adaptation techniques to address domain shift issues caused by heterogeneous data distribution in different institutions. Experimental results indicate that FL strategies can achieve competitive performance similar to centralized models even though each local model has access to a portion of the training data. Notably, Adaptive Personalization FL strategy stood out in our FL evaluations, consistently delivering high performance across all tests due to its additional local model. Furthermore, the study provides valuable insights into the efficacy of simpler architectures in image classification tasks, particularly in scenarios where data privacy and decentralization are critical using both encoders. It suggests future exploration into deeper models and other FL strategies for a more nuanced understanding of these models’ performance.
Honokiol decreases alpha-synuclein mRNA levels and reveals novel targets for modulating alpha-synuclein expression
Authors: Fagen Sara , Burgess Jeremy D. , Lim Melina , Amerna Danilyn , Kaya Zeynep B. , Faroqi Ayman H. , Perisetla Priyanka , DeMeo Natasha N. , Stojkovska Iva , Quiriconi Drew J. , Mazzulli Joseph R. , Delenclos Marion , Boschen Suelen L. , McLean Pamela J.
Published: July 2023

Neuronal inclusions comprised of aggregated alpha-synuclein (αsyn) represent a key histopathological feature of neurological disorders collectively termed “synucleinopathies”, which includes Parkinson’s disease (PD). Mutations and amplifications in theSNCAgene encoding αsyn cause familial forms of PD and a large body of evidence indicate a correlation between αsyn accumulation and disease. Decreasing αsyn expression is recognized as a valid target for PD therapeutics, with down-regulation ofSNCAexpression potentially attenuating downstream cascades of pathologic events. Honokiol (HKL) is a polyphenolic compound derived from magnolia tree bark that has demonstrated neuroprotective properties. Here, we describe potential beneficial effects of HKL on αsyn levels in multiple experimental models. Using human neuroglioma cells stably overexpressing αsyn and mouse primary neurons, we demonstrate that HKL treatment results in a significant decrease in αsyn expression at both the protein and mRNA levels. Our data support a mechanism whereby HKL acts by post-transcriptional modulation ofSNCArather than modulating αsyn protein degradation. Additionally, transcriptional profiling of mouse cortical neurons treated with HKL identified several differentially expressed genes (DEG) as potential targets to modulateSNCAexpression. Overall, these data highlight a viable strategy to reduce αsyn levels, which represents a promising target to modify disease progression in PD and other synucleinopathies. In addition, HKL acts as a powerful tool for investigatingSNCAgene modulation and its downstream effects.
DNA Origami Tension Sensors (DOTS) to study T cell receptor mechanics at membrane junctions
Authors: Hu Yuesong , Duan Yuxin , Velusamy Arventh , Narum Steven , Rogers Jhordan , Salaita Khalid
Published: July 2023

The T cell receptor (TCR) is thought to be a mechanosensor, meaning that it transmits mechanical force to its antigen and leverages the force to amplify the specificity and magnitude of TCR signaling. The past decade has witnessed the development of molecular probes which have revealed many aspects of receptor mechanotransduction. However, most force probes are immobilized on hard substrates, thus failing to reveal mechanics in the physiological context of cell membranes. In this report, we developed DNA origami tension sensors (DOTS) which bear force sensors on a DNA origami breadboard and allow mapping of TCR mechanotransduction at dynamic intermembrane junctions. We demonstrate that TCR-antigen bonds experience 5-10 pN forces, and the mechanical events are dependent on cell state, antigen mobility, antigen potency, antigen height and F-actin activity. We tethered DOTS onto a microparticle to mechanically screen antigen in high throughput using flow cytometry. Finally, DOTS were anchored onto live B cell membranes thus producing the first quantification of TCR mechanics at authentic immune cell-cell junctions.
Factors influencing adoption of green buildings in Tanzania: a qualitative case study
Authors: Mushi Frank Victor , Nguluma Huba , Kihila Jacob
Published: July 2023

Purpose

Green buildings have proven to be essential contributors to the sustainability of buildings in the construction industry. However, in developing economies, the rate of green building adoption is slow. Moreover, the factors linked to a relatively slow adoption rarely feature in the literature. This study seeks to bridge the gap by first exploring factors influencing the adoption of green buildings. Second, analysing strategies and preferences determining the adoption of green building principles and lastly, exploring case-based opportunities for their adoption in Tanzania.

Design/methodology/approach

Semi-structured interviews were conducted to collect qualitative data from twelve key informants. The qualitative data were analysed using content analysis.

Findings

The findings indicate that the most influential factors in green building adoption are related to key organizational decisions. Moreover, social and environmental factors are more related to green building adoption than economic factors. In addition, energy and water efficiency are the most commonly adopted sustainability features, while certified materials, recycling and reusing are rarely implemented.

Practical implications

Since green building adoption is still in its infancy, this study informs policymakers, professional bodies, developers, and researchers of the empirically supported factors for green building adoption. The conclusions can be amplified within the sustainability movement.

Originality/value

This study provides an in-depth understanding of the precursors of green building adoption, which is increasingly becoming a paradigm shift in the construction sector. The study is the first to present an in-depth analysis of the real-life factors influencing the adoption of green buildings in Tanzania.
Business hybrid offerings by manufacturing SMEs: impact of servitization on internationalization of manufacturing SMEs
Authors: Chatterjee Sheshadri , Chaudhuri Ranjan , Vrontis Demetris
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study examines the significance of the hybrid offerings of servitization by manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs). This study also examines why and how hybrid offerings matter for manufacturing SMEs. The study also investigates the moderating role of risk-taking ability (RA) and technology turbulence (TT) on manufacturing SMEs' performance.

Design/methodology/approach

This study has used literature from the areas of servitization, hybrid offerings and internationalization related to SMEs. Also, with the help of theories and literature, a model has been developed conceptually. This model has been validated using a structural equation modeling (SEM) technique on survey data collected from manufacturing SMEs.

Findings

This study finds the significance of manufacturing SMEs' servitization for internationalization effort. Also, this study highlights the moderating impacts of RA and TT on the performance of manufacturing SMEs.

Research limitations/implications

This study provides valuable inputs to the management of SMEs, especially practitioners that are involved in formulating strategies for hybrid offerings, including servitization activities for the manufacturing SMEs. This study also contributes to the overall body of literature on hybrid offering and servitization.

Originality/value

The study adds values to the overall body of literature for both servitization and internationalization. This study focuses mainly on the significance of hybrid offerings, including servitization by the manufacturing SMEs. Few studies have dealt with such hybrid offerings by manufacturing SMEs as part of the SMEs' internationalization effort. Thus, this study can be considered unique. Moreover, the study investigates the moderating role of RA and TT for SME performance, which adds value toward the body of knowledge in the extant literature.
A gendered multigroup analysis of teachers' in-role and extra-role performance: the effect of time pressure during COVID-19
Authors: Ali Shahzad , Abdul Razak Nor Azam , Hasan-Basri Bakti , Ali Hasnain
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study investigated the in-role and extra-role performance of male and female teachers. Multigroup Analysis is applied to the unique combination of independent variable time pressures, mediating variable psychological empowerment and dependent variable teacher in-role and extra-role performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The reason for employing a distinctive methodology is because of male and female characteristics. In addition, data were gathered during COVID-19 using convenient sampling techniques from male and female teachers working in Pakistani higher education institutions.

Findings

The results showed that time has a significant impact on how well male and female teachers do their jobs. According to the gendered characteristics, psychological empowerment significantly intervenes between time pressure and teacher performance. Furthermore, the result provides policymakers with guidelines while assigning the task to teachers.

Practical implications

This article highlighted the issues of performance under time pressure imposed by an educational institution's employer and developed the mechanism for effective and efficient policies to improve the performance of teachers.

Originality/value

Under the lens of the cognitive theory of load, this study contributes to the literature on time pressure, psychological empowerment and teacher performance by introducing a novel concept and novel research framework.
Motivations and commitment to work in the hospitality industry: investigating employee psychology and responsible organizational behaviors
Authors: Camilleri Mark Anthony , Troise Ciro , Morrison Alastair M.
Published: July 2023

Purpose

A number of hospitality businesses are understaffed and are experiencing severe labor shortages, in various contexts. In many cases, hotels and restaurants are finding it difficult to retain and recruit motivated employees. In this light, this research uses key constructs related to the self-determination theory and integrates them with a responsible human resources management (HRM) measure, to investigate the antecedents of organizational commitment. The underlying objective of this study is to shed light on employee psychology and on responsible organizational behaviors in the hospitality industry.

Design/methodology/approach

Primary data were captured through an online questionnaire distributed via popular LinkedIn groups that represent hospitality employees. A composite-based structural equations modeling approach was used to confirm the reliability and validity of the chosen factors and to shed light on the causal paths of this contribution’s proposed model.

Findings

The results indicate that there are highly significant direct and indirect effects in this study, particularly between extrinsic motivations – organizational commitment and between responsible HRM – organizational commitment. These relationships are mediated by intrinsic motivations.

Research limitations/implications

This contribution advances a robust responsible organizational behavior model comprising responsible HRM, extrinsic rewards, intrinsic motivation and organizational commitment.

Practical implications

This research implies that practitioners ought to incentivize and reward hardworking employees, in a commensurate manner, to offer them great working environments as well as appropriate conditions of employment, to enhance their loyalty, minimize turnover rates and to attract promising talent.

Originality/value

This empirical study incorporates a responsible HRM construct with extrinsic and intrinsic motivations. It confirms that they are significant antecedents of organizational commitment. Unlike previous research, this contribution focuses on employee psychology as well as on strategic organizational behaviors during a time when tourism businesses are experiencing an increase in demand for their services, in the aftermath of the COVID-19 pandemic. It raises awareness on the industry’s perennial challenges in attracting and retaining employees.
18F‐FDG PET/CT predicts the role of neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy in the pathological response of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma
Authors: Wang Shuohua , Di Shouyin , Lu Jing , Xie Shun , Yu Zhenyang , Liang Yingkui , Gong Taiqian
Published: July 2023

Background

This study aimed to investigate the predictive value of 18F‐FDG PET/CT for pathological response after neoadjuvant immunochemotherapy (NICT) in patients with esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC).

Methods

The clinical data of 54 patients with ESCC who underwent two cycles of NICT followed by surgery were retrospectively analyzed. NICT consisted of PD‐1 blockade therapy combined with chemotherapy. 18F‐FDG PET/CT scans were performed before and after NICT. The pathological results after surgery were used to assess the degree of pathological response. The scan parameters of 18F‐FDG PET/CT and their changes before and after NICT were compared with the pathological response.

Results

Among the 54 patients, 10 (18.5%) achieved complete pathological response (pCR) and 21 (38.9%) achieved major pathological response (MPR). The post‐NICT scan parameters and their changes were significantly associated with the pathological response. In addition, the values of the changes in the scanned parameters before and after treatment can further predict the pathological response of the patient.

Conclusion

18F‐FDG PET/CT is a useful tool to evaluate the efficacy of NICT and predict pathological response in patients with ESCC. The post‐NICT scan parameters and their changes can help identify patients who are likely to achieve pCR or MPR.
“African magic” or “African science”: Issues of technology in African higher education
Authors: Amuzu Delali
Published: July 2023

African ideas, science, technology, scholarship and worldviews have been disproportionately displaced and marginalized in relevant global dialogues. In academic circles, African methods of knowing have been questioned, undervalued, mocked, misconstrued, and disregarded, causing apprehension. These negative attitudes are internalized via the educational system, stifling agency and conditioning African learners to rely on technology from outside sources, resulting in the exteriorization of innovation and creativity. African inventiveness becomes “African magic” with no real desire to interrogate, explain, or grasp its basic mechanics. This article contends that technology and creative imaginations exist in African societies. The task, however, remains the exploration and integration of African knowledge systems into higher education. The study aims to demonstrate how the interaction of two components of traditional African education—a sense of community and informal learning—could assist in the embrace, facilitation, and  mainstreaming of marginalized African technologies. Although the paper may appear eclectic, it is intended to conscientiously push the paradigm that technology has been integral to African education. Regardless of Africa's technical challenges, salvation does not lie in excessive external reliance but rather in investing and building on Indigenous African knowledges/practices in order to establish an African technological identity.

Practitioner notes

What is already known about this topic:

African dependency on foreign technology.

Lack of interest in African science and technology.

Lack of African technological identity.

Low technology penetration in African higher education.

What this paper adds:

The need to explore African science and technology.

Mind‐set change towards African science and technology.

Mainstreaming African achievements in science and technology.

Implications for practice and/or policy:

Indigenization of science and technology.

Indigenous empowerment.

Exploring alternate ways of knowing.

Changing perspectives on science and technology.
Alluvial development during climate fluctuations depicted with spectral decomposition of the Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic post‐rift succession in the Horda Platform (Norway) and the impact on reservoir properties
Authors: Würtzen Camilla L. , Hassaan Muhammad , Anell Ingrid M. , Nystuen Johan Petter , Faleide Jan Inge , Midtkandal Ivar
Published: July 2023

For the first time, this study presents interpretations of alluvial fans in spectral decomposition RGB Blends, analysed in seismic time slices from the Middle Triassic to Lower Jurassic stratigraphical interval of the Horda Platform (northern North Sea). The time slices record a shifting alluvial fan front, fluvial variability, uplift and erosion and reveals depositional elements that may set the common conception of the geological development of this area during the Early–Middle Mesozoic up for discussion. Results show that the Upper Triassic Lunde Formation in the eastern margin of the Horda Platform was characterized by the deposition of coalesced alluvial fans. A variable extent of the fan front through the Upper Triassic is linked to interplaying allogenic factors: uplifted source areas in the aftermath of Early–Middle Triassic rifting determined sediment availability; climate transitioning from arid to semi‐humid, with increasingly fluctuating precipitation, controlled sedimentation, and run‐off; provenance dictated bulk sedimentology and affected prevailing alluvial processes. An overall retreat of the fan system through the Late Triassic coincided with a significant change in landscape characteristics at the transition into the overlying Statfjord Group. Uplift and initial tilting of the Horda Platform caused landscape degradation and the formation of plateaus and incised valleys, contemporaneous with increased humidity and marine transgression, forming estuaries. The shift in depositional style has implications for reservoir properties, creating complexity and heterogeneity in terms of facies distribution and connectivity, which may benefit potential CO2 storage. Upper Triassic alluvial fan development in the Horda Platform (northern North Sea) depicted through spectral decomposition of seismic time slices Enhanced level of seismic stratigraphic interpretation with RGB blending Impact of allogenic factors on alluvial depositional development Implications of alluvial variability on reservoir properties
Reutilization of fluid flow pathways over 54 million years, offshore New Zealand
Authors: Cao Liu , Sun Qiliang , Magee Craig
Published: July 2023

Structures that facilitate fluid migration are common in sedimentary basins. We document several possible hydrothermal and/or volcanic vents located above a >157 km2, late Cretaceous volcanic field in the Great South Basin, offshore New Zealand. Three of the four vents are vertically stacked, suggesting episodic re‐use of the same fluid pathway between ca. 75 and 56 Ma. A palaeo‐pockmark dated to ca. 49 Ma and free gas occurring within strata ca. 21 Myr old are located directly above these stacked vents. The spatial association of the vents, pockmark and free gas further suggests re‐use of the fluid migration pathway(s) extended for over 54 Myr. Our results imply that reutilization of fluid flow pathways can affect the distribution of fluids within basins over prolonged periods, potentially impacting hydrocarbon/geothermal exploration and geohazard assessment.
Value of combining transect counts and telemetry data to determine short‐term population trends in a globally threatened species
Authors: Kendall Corinne J. , Bracebridge Claire , Lynch Emily C. , Mgumba Msafiri , Monadjem Ara , Nicholas Aaron , Kane Adam
Published: July 2023

To evaluate conservation interventions, it is necessary to obtain reliable population trends for short (<10 years) time scales. Telemetry can be used to estimate short‐term survival rates and is a common tool for assessing population trends, but it has limitations and can be biased toward specific behavioral traits of tagged individuals. Encounter rates calculated from transects can be useful for assessing changes across multiple species, but they can have large confidence intervals and be affected by variations in survey conditions. The decline of African vultures has been well‐documented, but understanding of recent trends is lacking. To examine population trends, we used survival estimates from telemetry data collected over 6 years (primarily for white‐backed vultures [Gyps africanus]) and transect counts conducted over 8 years (for 7 scavenging raptors) in 3 large protected areas in Tanzania. Population trends were estimated using survival analysis combined with the Leslie Lefkovitch matrix model from the telemetry data and using Bayesian mixed effects generalized linear regression models from the transect data. Both methods showed significant declines for white‐backed vultures in Ruaha and Nyerere National Parks. Only telemetry estimates suggested significant declines in Katavi National Park. Encounter rates calculated from transects also showed declines in Nyerere National Park for lappet‐faced vultures (38% annual declines) and Bateleurs (18%) and in Ruaha National Park for white‐headed vultures (Trigonoceps occipitalis) (19%). Mortality rates recorded and inferred from telemetry suggested that poisoning is prevalent. However, only 6 mortalities of the 26 presumed mortalities were confirmed to be caused by poisoning, highlighting the challenges of determining the cause of death when working across large landscapes. Despite declines, our data provide evidence that southern Tanzania has higher current encounter rates of African vultures than elsewhere in East Africa. Preventing further declines will depend greatly on mitigating poisoning. Based on our results, we suggest that the use of multiple techniques improves understanding of population trends over the short term.
The effect of metal remediation on the virulence and antimicrobial resistance of the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa
Authors: Lear Luke , Hesse Elze , Newsome Laura , Gaze William , Buckling Angus , Vos Michiel
Published: July 2023

Anthropogenic metal pollution can result in co‐selection for antibiotic resistance and potentially select for increased virulence in bacterial pathogens. Metal‐polluted environments can select for the increased production of siderophore molecules to detoxify non‐ferrous metals. However, these same molecules also aid the uptake of ferric iron, a limiting factor for within‐host pathogen growth, and are consequently a virulence factor. Anthropogenic methods to remediate environmental metal contamination commonly involve amendment with lime‐containing materials. However, whether this reduces in situ co‐selection for antibiotic resistance and siderophore‐mediated virulence remains unknown. Here, using microcosms containing non‐sterile metal‐contaminated river water and sediment, we test whether liming reduces co‐selection for these pathogenicity traits in the opportunistic pathogen Pseudomonas aeruginosa. To account for the effect of environmental structure, which is known to impact siderophore production, microcosms were incubated under either static or shaking conditions. Evolved P. aeruginosa populations had greater fitness in the presence of toxic concentrations of copper than the ancestral strain and showed increased resistance to the clinically relevant antibiotics apramycin, cefotaxime and trimethoprim, regardless of lime addition or environmental structure. Although we found virulence to be significantly associated with siderophore production, neither virulence nor siderophore production significantly differed between the four treatments. Furthermore, liming did not mitigate metal‐imposed selection for antibiotic resistance or virulence in P. aeruginosa. Consequently, metal‐contaminated environments may select for antibiotic resistance and virulence traits even when treated with lime.