bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
A collective action approach to improving attitudes and self-efficacy towards gender equality among male STEM academics
Authors: Petzel Zachary W. , Farrell Lynn , McCormack Teresa , Turner Rhiannon N. , Rafferty Karen , Latu Ioana M.
Published: May 2024

Despite the implementation of equality interventions within higher education, progress towards gender parity in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) remains slow. Male educators often exhibit poorer engagement with diversity initiatives, potentially contributing to persisting gender disparities in STEM given men’s longstanding dominance in these programs. Two experiments investigate how equality interventions should be designed to maximize support from male educators. Experiment 1 (N = 72; Mage = 39.72, SDage = 12.33) used virtual reality to manipulate 2 factors among male academics: (1) exposure to gender inequality and (2) virtually taking the perspective of a female scientist. Using self-report and behavioral measures, viewing an empirical presentation outlining the prevalence of gender issues in STEM yielded the greatest support for equality initiatives following successful perspective-taking. Experiment 2 (N = 120; Mage = 32.48, SDage = 10.36) varied two additional factors among male academics: (1) evidence-based methods to reduce gender biases in STEM (i.e., promoting self-efficacy) and (2) blaming male academics for gender inequalities. Promoting self-efficacy and blaming men for disparities led to greater confidence in male academics’ ability to address gender inequalities in their field. Notably, higher self-efficacy accounted for greater support for equality initiatives and internal motives to engage with diversity programs. Findings provide an empirical framework and high-tech training tools for promoting engagement with diversity initiatives among male educators, informing development of interventions within higher education to improve student and faculty experiences in STEM.
Self-regulated use of retrieval practice: associations with individual differences in non-cognitive and cognitive factors
Authors: Bertilsson Frida , Stenlund Tova , Sundström Anna , Jonsson Bert
Published: May 2024

Retrieval practice is a learning strategy that has repeatedly been found to have positive effects on memory and learning. However, studies indicate that students rarely use retrieval practice on a voluntary basis. The objective of the present study was to examine students’ self-regulated use of retrieval practice, and to determine whether sex and individual differences in cognitive and non-cognitive aspects are related to optional use of practice testing. A classroom study was conducted with 146 upper-secondary school students taking courses in mathematics and Swedish. An ABAB design was used to compare students’ optional and non-optional use of retrieval practice (i.e., repeated online quizzing). Students performed cognitive tasks to assess working memory capacity and fluid intelligence and completed self-reports of non-cognitive factors related to school achievement, such as grit, need for cognition (NFC), conscientiousness and openness. Quiz use was then compared using paired- and independent-samples t-tests, and hierarchical linear regression analyses explored relations to individual differences. The results showed that students completed significantly fewer quizzes in the optional sections than in the non-optional sections, and that females completed significantly more optional quizzes than males in Swedish, but not in mathematics. Further, the results showed that conscientiousness predicted optional quiz use in mathematics, whereas sex, NFC, conscientiousness, and openness predicted quiz use in Swedish. To conclude, although the findings show a relatively low optional/self-regulated use of practice testing, in line with earlier research, they suggest that sex and non-cognitive factors, such as personality characteristics, can predict optional use of practice testing.
Expanding the spatial scale in DNA-based monitoring schemes: ascertainment bias in transnational assessments
Authors: Kopatz Alexander , Norman Anita J. , Spong Göran , Valtonen Mia , Kojola Ilpo , Aspi Jouni , Kindberg Jonas , Flagstad Øystein , Kleven Oddmund
Published: May 2024

Harmonising methodology between countries is crucial in transborder population monitoring. However, immediate application of alleged, established DNA-based methods across the extended area can entail drawbacks and may lead to biases. Therefore, genetic methods need to be tested across the whole area before being deployed. Around 4,500 brown bears (Ursus arctos) live in Norway, Sweden, and Finland and they are divided into the western (Scandinavian) and eastern (Karelian) population. Both populations have recovered and are connected via asymmetric migration. DNA-based population monitoring in Norway and Sweden uses the same set of genetic markers. With Finland aiming to implement monitoring, we tested the available SNP-panel developed to assess brown bears in Norway and Sweden, on tissue samples from a representative set of 93 legally harvested individuals from Finland. The aim was to test for ascertainment bias and evaluate its suitability for DNA-based transnational-monitoring covering all three countries. We compared results to the performance of microsatellite genotypes of the same individuals in Finland and against SNP-genotypes from individuals sampled in Sweden (N = 95) and Norway (N = 27). In Finland, a higher resolution for individual identification was obtained for SNPs (PI = 1.18E-27) compared to microsatellites (PI = 4.2E-11). Compared to Norway and Sweden, probability of identity of the SNP-panel was slightly higher and expected heterozygosity lower in Finland indicating ascertainment bias. Yet, our evaluation show that the available SNP-panel outperforms the microsatellite panel currently applied in Norway and Sweden. The SNP-panel represents a powerful tool that could aid improving transnational DNA-based monitoring of brown bears across these three countries.
Physical activity in the prevention and management of inflammatory bowel disease: a systematic review
Authors: Protano Carmela , Gallè Francesca , Volpini Veronica , De Giorgi Andrea , Mazzeo Elisa , Ubaldi Francesca , Romano Spica Vincenzo , Vitali Matteo , Valeriani Federica
Published: May 2024

Aim

This study aimed to assess the potential role of physical activity (PA) in reducing the risk of developing inflammatory bowel diseases (IBDs) and in their management.

Subject and methods

A systematic review of literature was conducted up to October 2023 using the PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science and Cochrane Library databases. Observational studies, semi-experimental and experimental studies reporting PA effects were considered eligible. Data on disease status and PA characteristics, main outcomes and possible confounders were collected in a database. The Newcastle–Ottawa Quality Assessment Scale was used to assess risk of bias.

Results

Of the 29 articles included, six investigated PA and risk of IBDs and four of them showed an inverse relationship. Among the others, seven reported positive effects of PA on IBD symptoms, while all showed improvements in comorbidities, complications and quality of life.

Conclusion

PA seems to be effective in preventing or treating IBDs and their complications. Owing to the low quality of the majority of the studies and their heterogeneity, further research is needed to better understand which type and level of PA may be useful in the prevention and treatment of these diseases.
Japanese tort-case dataset for rationale-supported legal judgment prediction
Authors: Yamada Hiroaki , Tokunaga Takenobu , Ohara Ryutaro , Tokutsu Akira , Takeshita Keisuke , Sumida Mihoko
Published: May 2024

This paper presents the first dataset for Japanese Legal Judgment Prediction (LJP), the Japanese Tort-case Dataset (JTD), which features two tasks: tort prediction and its rationale extraction. The rationale extraction task identifies the court’s accepting arguments from alleged arguments by plaintiffs and defendants, which is a novel task in the field. JTD is constructed based on annotated 3477 Japanese Civil Code judgments by 41 legal experts, resulting in 7978 instances with 59,697 of their alleged arguments from the involved parties. Our baseline experiments show the feasibility of the proposed two tasks, and our error analysis by legal experts identifies sources of errors and suggests future directions of the LJP research.
Pikeperch muscle tissues: a comparative study of structure, enzymes, genes, and proteins in wild and farmed fish
Authors: Tönißen Katrin , Franz George P. , Albrecht Elke , Lutze Philipp , Bochert Ralf , Grunow Bianka
Published: May 2024

Pikeperch (Sander lucioperca) is a freshwater species and an internationally highly demanded fish in aquaculture. Despite intensive research efforts on this species, fundamental knowledge of skeletal muscle biology and structural characteristics is missing. Therefore, we conducted a comprehensive analysis of skeletal muscle parameters in adult pikeperch from two different origins, wild-caught specimens from a lake and those reared in a recirculating aquaculture system. The analyses comprised the biochemical characteristics (nucleic acid, protein content), enzyme activities (creatine kinase, lactate dehydrogenase, NADP-dependent isocitrate dehydrogenase), muscle-specific gene and protein expression (related to myofibre formation, regeneration and permanent growth, muscle structure), and muscle fibre structure. The findings reveal distinct differences between the skeletal muscle of wild and farmed pikeperch. Specifically, nucleic acid content, enzyme activity, and protein expression varied significantly. The higher enzyme activity observed in wild pikeperch suggests greater metabolically activity in their muscles. Conversely, farmed pikeperch indicated a potential for pronounced muscle growth. As the data on pikeperch skeletal muscle characteristics is sparse, the purpose of our study is to gain fundamental insights into the characteristics of adult pikeperch muscle. The presented data serve as a foundation for further research on percids’ muscle biology and have the potential to contribute to advancements and adaptations in aquaculture practices.
An interactive approach to the notion of chemical substance and the case of water
Authors: Riesmeier Marabel
Published: May 2024

From organic synthesis to quantum chemical calculation, chemists interact with chemical substances in a wide variety of ways. But what even is a chemical substance? My aim is to propose a notion of chemical substance that is consistent with the way in which chemical substances are individuated in chemistry, addressing gaps in previous conceptions of chemical substance. Water is employed as a case study to develop the account, not only because it is a familiar example of a chemical substance, but also because its structural peculiarities make it an ideal test case for drawing out potential issues and limitations. Examining four distinct views of chemical substance—the microstructural, thermodynamic, purification, and a functional/relational account—I conclude that each has considerable drawbacks when used as a standalone concept. However, these accounts are not rendered obsolete, but are combined into a semi-pluralist conceptual patchwork. My interactive account of chemical substance is consistent with existing substance descriptions and chemical practice.
Beyond the Quantum Membrane Paradigm: A Philosophical Analysis of the Structure of Black Holes in Full QG
Authors: Cinti Enrico , Sanchioni Marco
Published: May 2024

This paper presents a philosophical analysis of the structure of black holes, focusing on the event horizon and its fundamental status. While black holes have been at the centre of countless paradoxes arising from the attempt to merge quantum mechanics and general relativity, recent experimental discoveries have emphasised their importance as objects for the development of Quantum Gravity. In particular, the statistical mechanical underpinning of black hole thermodynamics has been a central research topic. The Quantum Membrane Paradigm, proposed by Wallace (Stud Hist Philos Sci Part B 66:103-117, 2019), posits a real membrane made of black hole microstates at the black hole horizon to provide a statistical mechanical understanding of black hole thermodynamics from an exterior observer’s point of view. However, we argue that the Quantum Membrane Paradigm is limited to low-energy Quantum Gravity and needs to be modified to avoid reference to geometric notions, such as the event horizon, which presumably do not make sense in the non-spatiotemporal context of full Quantum Gravity. Our proposal relies on the central dogma of black hole physics. It considers recent developments, such as replica wormholes and entanglement wedge reconstruction, to provide a new framework for understanding the nature of black hole horizons in full Quantum Gravity.
Remaining useful lifetime prediction for milling blades using a fused data prediction model (FDPM)
Authors: Mäkiaho Teemu , Laitinen Jouko , Nuutila Mikael , Koskinen Kari T.
Published: May 2024

In various industry sectors, predicting the real-life availability of milling applications poses a significant challenge. This challenge arises from the need to prevent inefficient blade resource utilization and the risk of machine breakdowns due to natural wear. To ensure timely and accurate adjustments to milling processes based on the machine's cutting blade condition without disrupting ongoing production, we introduce the Fused Data Prediction Model (FDPM), a novel temporal hybrid prediction model. The FDPM combines the static and dynamic features of the machines to generate simulated outputs, including average cutting force, material removal rate, and peripheral milling machine torque. These outputs are correlated with real blade wear measurements, creating a simulation model that provides insights into predicting the wear progression in the machine when associated with real machine operational parameters. The FDPM also considers data preprocessing, reducing the dimensional space to an advanced recurrent neural network prediction algorithm for forecasting blade wear levels in milling. The validation of the physics-based simulation model indicates the highest fidelity in replicating wear progression with the average cutting force variable, demonstrating an average relative error of 2.38% when compared to the measured mean of rake wear during the milling cycle. These findings illustrate the effectiveness of the FDPM approach, showcasing an impressive prediction accuracy exceeding 93% when the model is trained with only 50% of the available data. These results highlight the potential of the FDPM model as a robust and versatile method for assessing wear levels in milling operations precisely, without disrupting ongoing production.
Processing of high-strength thermal-resistant Al-2.2% cerium-1.3% lanthanum alloy rods with high electric conductivity by High Pressure Torsion Extrusion
Authors: Xu Rui , Lu Yemao , Dai Yuting , Brognara Andrea , Hahn Horst , Ivanisenko Yulia
Published: May 2024

A novel severe plastic deformation (SPD) process of High Pressure Torsion Extrusion (HPTE) was applied to the rods of the Al-2.2 wt.% Ce-1.3 wt.% La (Al–3.5RE) alloy. The microstructure, microhardness, the mechanical strength, thermal stability, and electrical conductivity of the alloy after HPTE and subsequent annealing have been investigated. It was demonstrated that HPTE processing can simultaneously increase yield strength from 127 to 225 MPa and electrical conductivity from 54.7% IACS to 55.7% IACS in this alloy. Such a remarkable combination of properties was achieved thanks to significant refinement of microstructure constituents: grain size of Al matrix was reduced down to 0.9 µm and initially continuous network of Al11RE3 phase was broken to micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles. Furthermore, the yield strength of the HPTE-processed Al–3.5 RE alloy remains stable at 230 °C for 1 h due to micrometer- and nanometer-sized particles that pin the grain boundaries. Therefore, HPTE processing of Al–RE alloys has a high application potential in the electric power industry.

Graphical abstract
Deployment of POLARBEAR-2b
Authors: Russell Megan , Sakaguri Kana , Lowry Lindsay Ng , Adkins Tylor , Arnold Kam , Baccigalupi Carlo , Crowley Kevin T. , Elleflot Tucker , Farias Nicole , Hazumi Masashi , Ito Jennifer , Jeong Oliver , Lee Adrian , Lew Michael , Nelson Jacob , Siritanasak Praween , Tsan Tran ,   the POLARBEAR Collaboration
Published: May 2024

POLARBEAR-2b (PB-2b) is the second receiver in the Simons Array, a cosmic microwave background (CMB) polarization experiment. The Simons Array uses dichroic polarization sensitive lenslet-coupled sinuous antennas and transition-edge sensor (TES) bolometers made of superconducting films. These bolometers are read out with frequency multiplexing electronics. PB-2b contains $$\sim$$
∼
7500 detectors in two bands at 90 and 150 GHz with arcminute resolution. The polarization of these detectors is modulated by a cryogenic continuously rotating half-wave plate. PB-2b was installed on its telescope in 2022 in the Atacama Desert at an altitude of 5.2 km. This paper will detail initial readout commissioning, test of a new loopgain monitoring method, and focusing the optics. Work is ongoing to commission the remaining ambient temperature readout electronics, measure detector time constants, and observe with the cryogenic half-wave plate spinning
A quantitative systems pharmacology model of plasma kallikrein-kinin system dysregulation in hereditary angioedema
Authors: Sexton Dan , Nguyen Hoa Q. , Juethner Salomé , Luo Haobin , Zhang Zhiwei , Jasper Paul , Zhu Andy Z. X.
Published: May 2024

Hereditary angioedema (HAE) due to C1-inhibitor deficiency is a rare, debilitating, genetic disorder characterized by recurrent, unpredictable, attacks of edema. The clinical symptoms of HAE arise from excess bradykinin generation due to dysregulation of the plasma kallikrein-kinin system (KKS). A quantitative systems pharmacology (QSP) model that mechanistically describes the KKS and its role in HAE pathophysiology was developed based on HAE attacks being triggered by autoactivation of factor XII (FXII) to activated FXII (FXIIa), resulting in kallikrein production from prekallikrein. A base pharmacodynamic model was constructed and parameterized from literature data and ex vivo assays measuring inhibition of kallikrein activity in plasma of HAE patients or healthy volunteers who received lanadelumab. HAE attacks were simulated using a virtual patient population, with attacks recorded when systemic bradykinin levels exceeded 20 pM. The model was validated by comparing the simulations to observations from lanadelumab and plasma-derived C1-inhibitor clinical trials. The model was then applied to analyze the impact of nonadherence to a daily oral preventive therapy; simulations showed a correlation between the number of missed doses per month and reduced drug effectiveness. The impact of reducing lanadelumab dosing frequency from 300 mg every 2 weeks (Q2W) to every 4 weeks (Q4W) was also examined and showed that while attack rates with Q4W dosing were substantially reduced, the extent of reduction was greater with Q2W dosing. Overall, the QSP model showed good agreement with clinical data and could be used for hypothesis testing and outcome predictions.
Gender Perspectives on Role Models: Insights from STEM Students and Professionals
Authors: Tal Marina , Lavi Rea , Reiss Shari , Dori Yehudit Judy
Published: May 2024

Qualified professionals in science, technology, engineering, and mathematics (STEM) and STEM education are in increasingly short supply globally. Role models can help increase women’s representation in STEM, both at entry and senior levels. The study objectives were to identify the characteristics of role models in STEM higher education and careers and to investigate the differences in role model characteristics between career stages and between genders. We used a mixed-methods methodology involving a questionnaire and interviews. The participants, 788 alumni and final-year undergraduate and graduate students from a STEM research university, responded to the questionnaire, and ten leading women in STEM professions were interviewed. The questionnaire results indicated that a higher proportion of women than men reported being influenced by a role model during their studies. Seven key characteristics of role models were identified from the open-ended responses and the interviews: ambitious, charismatic, empathic and encouraging, inspiring, knowledgeable, gifted, and professional. The most frequent characteristics women mentioned were empathic and encouraging. The research findings support and align with the social cognitive career theory (SCCT), demonstrating how role modeling, which is part of the environmental theme, boosts intrinsic motivation—part of the personal theme, for individuals in STEM, especially women. These processes impact women’s determination and professional performance—part of the behavioral theme. Based on our findings, to advance toward a STEM workforce characterized by greater fairness, we recommend designing and deploying structured mentoring programs and forums in STEM departments that can provide young women with more role models for success and thus with more hope for success in these fields.
Thermogravimetry as a research tool for the development of an ammonium sulphate roasting process for selective metal extraction from minerals
Authors: Castleman Barbara A. , Doucet Frédéric J. , Roos Liza , Sedibelwana Matlakala , van der Merwe Elizabet M.
Published: May 2024

The ammonium sulphate roasting process involves reacting mineral-bearing materials with ammonium sulphate via a solid–solid roasting process and subjecting the resulting roast residue to aqueous leaching. This process enables the simultaneous, non-selective co-extraction of strategic metals from the starting materials. However, effective separation of the extracted metals is often mandatory to produce quality products of high purity. In this study, the combined application of thermogravimetric analysis, X-ray powder diffraction and inductively coupled plasma optical emission spectrometry confirmed the non-selectivity of the process when applied to a South African diamond mine residue residue roasted with ammonium sulphate in a 1:2 mass ratio (m/m) at 450 °C for 2 h, with magnesium, iron and aluminium being co-extracted into water-soluble metal sulphates. Thermogravimetry was then applied to develop a multi-step, multi-temperature selective roasting process using mixtures of pure commercial metal sulphate salts. The first step of the modified process successfully separated iron and aluminium sulphates from magnesium-sulphates in the roast residues by thermally decomposing soluble iron and aluminium sulphates into insoluble oxides via calcination at 750 °C for 2 h. This temperature was lower than the one at which magnesium sulphates convert into magnesium oxide. In the second and final step, iron and aluminium were recovered from the oxide minerals via solid–solid re-roasting with ammonium sulphate at 450 °C for 1 h, causing the oxides to revert back to their water-soluble sulphate forms. The effectiveness of the modified process was subsequently verified using a diamond mine residue, showing that the soluble iron and aluminium contents in the magnesium-bearing leachate could be reduced by over 90%.
The Proliferation of Special Regimes and the Unity of the International Legal System
Authors: Linderfalk Ulf
Published: May 2024

International law is becoming increasingly more specialized and diversified. In response to these developments, international lawyers now widely refer to international investment law, European human rights law and many other branches as ‘special regimes’. Scholars in the field see the proliferation of special regimes as a threat to the unity of the international legal system. In so doing, they are applying the traditional definition of a special regime as a collection of norms. This article encourages readers to conceive instead of a special regime as a community of practice—as an activity structured around the normative presuppositions of the people and institutions that participate in it. This new understanding, the article argues, is compatible with all predominant theories of law. When you adopt it, importantly, the proliferation of special regimes does not have the disintegrating effect that many scholars believe it to have.
Time Series Classification Based on Forward Echo State Convolution Network
Authors: Xia Lei , Tang Jianfeng , Li Guangli , Fu Jun , Duan Shukai , Wang Lidan
Published: May 2024

The Echo state network (ESN) is an efficient recurrent neural network that has achieved good results in time series prediction tasks. Still, its application in time series classification tasks has yet to develop fully. In this study, we work on the time series classification problem based on echo state networks. We propose a new framework called forward echo state convolutional network (FESCN). It consists of two parts, the encoder and the decoder, where the encoder part is composed of a forward topology echo state network (FT-ESN), and the decoder part mainly consists of a convolutional layer and a max-pooling layer. We apply the proposed network framework to the univariate time series dataset UCR and compare it with six traditional methods and four neural network models. The experimental findings demonstrate that FESCN outperforms other methods in terms of overall classification accuracy. Additionally, we investigated the impact of reservoir size on network performance and observed that the optimal classification results were obtained when the reservoir size was set to 32. Finally, we investigated the performance of the network under noise interference, and the results show that FESCN has a more stable network performance compared to EMN (echo memory network).
A comparative review on Ayam Cemani chicken — A comparison with the most common chicken species in terms of nutritional values, LCA, price and consumer acceptance
Authors: Siddiqui Shahida Anusha , Toppi Valeria , Syiffah Layyinatus
Published: May 2024

Chickens are definitely among the most prevalent and broadly distributed domestic species. Among these, Ayam Cemani, also known as black chicken, is a rare Indonesian chicken breed originating from the island of Java. The main characteristic of this breed is that the body, both internally and externally, is entirely black. This is due to a condition named fibro melanosis, in which there is an over accumulation of melanin pigment in body tissues. In addition to this, Ayam Cemani meat results to be also higher in protein content and lower in fat. Moreover, Ayam Cemani meat is also known to have antioxidant and glucose-binding capacities. These properties make it very desirable within the market and consequently very expensive. Their meat is also used traditionally by tribal healers in the treatment of some chronic illnesses. In general, compared to other chicken species, the Ayam Cemani showed an higher genetic resistance to some infectious diseases commonly affecting poultry species. As regard the breeding, Ayam Cemani is a unique breed which may only be raised in specific locations, characterized to be a slowly growing breed with a lower body weight in comparison to the other poultry breeds. Nowadays, due to an improvement in the management, the nutrition and diseases control, it is possible to enhance their productivity. To date, there are not many studies in the literature on the specific breed of Ayam Cemani. For this reason, this review aims to provide a comprehensive overview of all the knowledge of the Ayam Cemani breed, the nutritional composition of the meat and consumer acceptance.

Graphical abstract

Overview of Ayam Cemani origin and uses
The Potential use of Reclaimed Water for Irrigation Purposes: Is it Overestimated?
Authors: Expósito Alfonso , Díaz-Cano Esther , Berbel Julio
Published: May 2024

The use of reclaimed water is expected to increase in the coming years, mainly in water-scarce areas. In the European Union (EU), an increase in the use of reclaimed water is expected to play a significant role within the European circular economy strategy and climate change adaptation policies with the aim to enhance overall sustainability of water resource management. While several institutions have offered estimations of the potential of reclaimed water reuse in the EU context, these estimations tend to overestimate potential reuse volumes since they fail to fully consider the following important issues: (a) the role of return flows in basins where cascade reuse is crucial in maintaining downstream uses (including ecological flows); (b) the availability of abundant (and cheaper) conventional resources; and (c) the economic productivity of water as an indicator of users’ willingness to pay for reclaimed water. This study focuses on the Spanish case since this is currently the EU member state with the highest potential for reclaimed water reuse. Findings show that previous estimations of reusable water volumes in Spain may have overestimated potential volumes. The proposed analysis can be extrapolated to other EU regions, where realistic estimations of the potential of reclaimed water might be much needed.
Characterizing poorly controlled type 2 diabetes using 1H-NMR metabolomics
Authors: Theron Isabella J. , Mason Shayne , van Reenen Mari , Stander Zinandré , Kleynhans Léanie , Ronacher Katharina , Loots Du Toit
Published: May 2024

Introduction

The prevalence of type 2 diabetes has surged to epidemic proportions and despite treatment administration/adherence, some individuals experience poorly controlled diabetes. While existing literature explores metabolic changes in type 2 diabetes, understanding metabolic derangement in poorly controlled cases remains limited.

Objective

This investigation aimed to characterize the urine metabolome of poorly controlled type 2 diabetes in a South African cohort.

Method

Using an untargeted proton nuclear magnetic resonance metabolomics approach, urine samples from 15 poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients and 25 healthy controls were analyzed and statistically compared to identify differentiating metabolites.

Results

The poorly controlled type 2 diabetes patients were characterized by elevated concentrations of various metabolites associated with changes to the macro-fuel pathways (including carbohydrate metabolism, ketogenesis, proteolysis, and the tricarboxylic acid cycle), autophagy and/or apoptosis, an uncontrolled diet, and kidney and liver damage.

Conclusion

These results indicate that inhibited cellular glucose uptake in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes significantly affects energy-producing pathways, leading to apoptosis and/or autophagy, ultimately contributing to kidney and mild liver damage. The study also suggests poor dietary compliance as a cause of the patient’s uncontrolled glycemic state. Collectively these findings offer a first-time comprehensive overview of urine metabolic changes in poorly controlled type 2 diabetes and its association with secondary diseases, offering potential insights for more targeted treatment strategies to prevent disease progression, treatment efficacy, and diet/treatment compliance.
Utilizing Generative AI for Instructional Design: Exploring Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities, and Threats
Authors: Choi Gi Woong , Kim Soo Hyeon , Lee Daeyeoul , Moon Jewoong
Published: May 2024

Recently, generative AI has been at the center of disruptive innovation in various settings, including educational sectors. This article investigates ChatGPT, which is one of the most prominent generative AI in the market, to explore its usefulness and potential for instructional design. Four researchers used a set of prompts to generate a course map for an online course that is aimed to teach the topic of makerspace and conducted SWOT analysis to identify strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats of using generative AI for instructional design. The findings suggest that there is promise in using ChatGPT as an efficient and effective tool for creating course maps, yet it still requires the domain knowledge and instructional design expertise to warrant quality and reliability of the tool.
Impact of rapid iodine contrast agent infusion on tracheal diameter and lung volume in CT pulmonary angiography measured with deep learning-based algorithm
Authors: Yasaka Koichiro , Abe Osamu
Published: May 2024

Purpose

To compare computed tomography (CT) pulmonary angiography and unenhanced CT to determine the effect of rapid iodine contrast agent infusion on tracheal diameter and lung volume.

Material and methods

This retrospective study included 101 patients who underwent CT pulmonary angiography and unenhanced CT, for which the time interval between them was within 365 days. CT pulmonary angiography was scanned 20 s after starting the contrast agent injection at the end-inspiratory level. Commercial software, which was developed based on deep learning technique, was used to segment the lung, and its volume was automatically evaluated. The tracheal diameter at the thoracic inlet level was also measured. Then, the ratios for the CT pulmonary angiography to unenhanced CT of the tracheal diameter (TDPAU) and both lung volumes (BLVPAU) were calculated.

Results

Tracheal diameter and both lung volumes were significantly smaller in CT pulmonary angiography (17.2 ± 2.6 mm and 3668 ± 1068 ml, respectively) than those in unenhanced CT (17.7 ± 2.5 mm and 3887 ± 1086 ml, respectively) (p < 0.001 for both). A statistically significant correlation was found between TDPAU and BLVPAU with a correlation coefficient of 0.451 (95% confidence interval, 0.280–0.594) (p < 0.001). No factor showed a significant association with TDPAU. The type of contrast agent had a significant association for BLVPAU (p = 0.042).

Conclusions

Rapid infusion of iodine contrast agent reduced the tracheal diameter and both lung volumes in CT pulmonary angiography, which was scanned at end-inspiratory level, compared with those in unenhanced CT.
Microstructure Evolution and Mechanical Properties of Ti–6Al–4Zr–4Nb Alloys Fabricated by Spark Plasma Sintering (SPS)
Authors: Liang S. J. , Matsunaga S. , Toda Y. , Matsunaga T. , Yamabe-Mitarai Y.
Published: May 2024

The near-α Ti–6Al–4Zr–4Nb (wt pct) alloy is a recently developed alloy with potential for aerospace applications. This study evaluates the microstructure and mechanical properties of Ti–6Al–4Zr–4Nb produced by spark plasma sintering (SPS). The SPS samples sintered in the α + β regions exhibited equiaxed α with a neighboring thin β phase. Above the β-transus temperature, the α/β lamellar structure formed, allowing control of the grain size (100 ~ 200 μm). The compressive strength and the creep property of the SPS samples were compared with the LBPDed and the forged samples. The compressive strength of the SPS sample was lower than that of the LPBFed sample but similar to the forged sample. The SPS samples exhibited longer creep rupture life (2220 hours) than LPBFed samples (1730 hours), but shorter than the forged sample (4109 hours). The creep deformation mechanism of the lamellar structure in the SPS sample was dislocation creep.
Probabilistic literacy and reasoning of prospective secondary school teachers when interpreting media news
Authors: Álvarez-Arroyo Rocío , Batanero Carmen , Gea María M.
Published: May 2024

Educating students to apply probability literacy and reasoning in out-of-school contexts requires the previous preparation of teachers, which should include the assessment of their mathematical and didactic knowledge. Consequently, we investigated three research questions concerning the probabilistic reasoning and literacy of 66 prospective secondary school teachers when solving probability questions related to a report taken from the media news, their ability to identify the fundamental stochastic ideas needed to solve the task, and their capacity to predict their students’ potential difficulties. The participants needed to compute the probability of a complementary event, several conditional probabilities, and perform critical reading of the information in the report. Despite the participants’ good mathematical knowledge, a high percentage showed reasoning biases, such as the fallacy of the transposed conditional, confusion between conditioning and causation, and few identified the information missing to solve a question. There was a poor capacity to determine the stochastic ideas needed to solve the questions, beyond probability, sample space, conditional probability, and sampling. The participants quoted a few potential errors of their students, mainly conceptual mistakes with scarce recognition of interpretation errors. These results reveal the need to reinforce teachers’ probabilistic literacy, reasoning, and related didactic knowledge.
Edaravone Alleviates Traumatic Brain Injury by Inhibition of Ferroptosis via FSP1 Pathway
Authors: Shi Haoyu , Song Libiao , Wu Yonghui , Shen Ruonan , Zhang Chenxu , Liao Xingzhi , Wang Qiuhong , Zhu Jie
Published: May 2024

Traumatic brain injury (TBI) is a highly severe form of trauma with complex series of reactions in brain tissue which ultimately results in neuronal damage. Previous studies proved that neuronal ferroptosis, which was induced by intracranial haemorrhage and other reasons, was one of the most primary causes of neuronal damage following TBI. However, the association between neuronal mechanical injury and ferroptosis in TBI and relevant treatments remain unclear. In the present study, we first demonstrated the occurrence of neuronal ferroptosis in the early stage of TBI and preliminarily elucidated that edaravone (EDA), a cerebroprotective agent that eliminates oxygen radicals, was able to inhibit ferroptosis induced by TBI. A cell scratching model was established in PC12 cells, and it was confirmed that mechanical injury induced ferroptosis in neurons at the early stage of TBI. Ferroptosis suppressor protein 1 (FSP1) plays a significant role in inhibiting ferroptosis, and we found that iFSP, a ferroptosis agonist which is capable to inhibit FSP1 pathway, attenuated the anti-ferroptosis effect of EDA. In conclusion, our results suggested that EDA inhibited neuronal ferroptosis induced by mechanical injury in the early phase of TBI by activating FSP1 pathway, which could provide evidence for future research on prevention and treatment of TBI.
Effect of high-risk pregnancy on prenatal stress level: a prospective case-control study
Authors: Türkmen Hülya , Akın Bihter , Erkal Aksoy Yasemin
Published: May 2024

The study aimed to determine the effects of high-risk pregnancy on prenatal stress levels. The study was conducted with a case-control design in Turkey in September-December 2019. The sample included pregnant women diagnosed with high-risk pregnancy and were at their 36th or later gestational weeks as the case group (n = 121) and healthy pregnant women as the control group (n = 245). The Antenatal Perceived Stress Inventory (APSI) and the Revised Prenatal Distress Questionnaire (NUPDQ-17 Item Version) were used to assess the stress levels of the participants in the study. It was determined that high-risk pregnancy was associated with higher rates of prenatal stress (APSI: p < 0.001, effect size = 0.388; NUPDQ: p = 0.002, effect size = 0.272) compared to the control group. The results of the linear regression analysis showed that high-risk pregnancy affected APSI (R2 = 0.043, p < 0.001) and NUPDQ (R2 = 0.033, p = 0.009) scores, but education levels, number of pregnancies, and number of abortions did not affect APSI and NUPDQ scores. According to the results of this study, high-risk pregnant women are in a risk group for stress. It is of great importance for the course of a pregnancy that healthcare professionals assess the stress levels of pregnant women in the high-risk pregnancy category and provide psychological support to pregnant women who have high stress levels or are hospitalized.
Using horse teeth to shape stone tools: an experimental approach to characterise use-wear traces
Authors: Micó Cristian , Cuartero Felipe , Llamazares Javier , Sañudo Pablo , Zalbidea Luis , Rivals Florent , Blasco Ruth
Published: May 2024

Horse tooth retouchers have been identified in several Middle and Upper Palaeolithic sites. They have been typically characterised as ‘soft’ hammers and/or grouped into the category of ‘bone retouchers’ at a technical level. Bone and teeth have different chemical compositions; teeth are denser and heavier than bone, and consequently, their technological features should not be considered homologous. In this work, we experimentally tested the effectiveness of horse teeth as retouchers. To perform this study, we used 41 modern horse teeth to shape flakes of various raw materials by applying different techniques. The resulting use-wear traces were analysed using high-resolution methods and then characterised. The results allowed us to identify the effectiveness of hypsodont teeth in knapping a wide range of tools and to evaluate the influence of 1) the raw materials, 2) the retouching techniques and 3) the gestures of the different knappers on the morphology of the use-wear marks. This work sheds light on the purpose of using teeth as tools by both Neanderthal and early modern human populations as well as understanding how these human species used them. The study leads us to consider tooth retouchers as important elements of the chaîne opératoire in lithic manufacture. Our goal is to highlight the importance of these types of experimental studies to create analogies and infer past processes.
Zinc Oxide:Gold Nanoparticles (ZnO:Au NPs) Exhibited Antifungal Efficacy Against Aspergillus niger and Aspergillus candidus
Authors: Achilonu Conrad Chibunna , Kumar Promod , Swart H. C. , Roos W. D. , Marais Gert Johannes
Published: May 2024

Fungal pathogens are a major health issue that threatens the era of antifungal drugs commonly used in the treatment of infections. An effective approach of biosynthetic nanoparticles can be used as antifungal agents owing to their intrinsic features such as their simplicity, non-toxic, and physicochemical properties. Therefore, this study was aimed to molecularly ascertain Aspergillus species known to cause aspergillosis and investigate the potency of zinc oxide:gold nanoparticles (ZnO:Au NPs) against the fungal pathogens. Two Aspergillus strains retrieved with potato dextrose agar (PDA) culture media from commercial food products in South Africa were molecularly identified using calmodulin (CaM) gene region. DNA sequence phylogeny of the gene showed that the strains were A. niger and A. candidus. ZnO:Au (1%) NPs were synthesised and characterised using X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). Two distinct peak plasmon bands for ZnO and ZnO:Au NPs were 390 nm and 565 nm, respectively. FE-SEM images demonstrated the presence of Au on the surface of ZnO nanoparticles in the ZnO:Au nanocomposites. The ZnO:Au NPs antifungal activity of 10 µg/mL and 50 µg/mL concentrations were evaluated against the two Aspergillus spp. ZnO:Au NPs at 50 µg/mL exhibited a maximum antifungal activity against A. candidus and A. niger, with zones of inhibition (ZoI) of 31.2 ± 0.15 mm and 25.0 ± 0.06, respectively. When the ZoI was observed by SEM, major morphological damages on the conidia were observed for both strains, indicating that the antifungal activity may have been enhanced by the ZnO:Au NPs. Therefore, due to these outstanding properties, ZnO:Au NPs can be utilised as potential antifungal agents to inhibit the proliferation of fungal pathogens.
Preclinical efficacy of CBR-5884 against epithelial ovarian cancer cells by targeting the serine synthesis pathway
Authors: Gong Kunxiang , Huang Yinger , Zheng Yanqin , Zhu Yinfu , Hao Wenbo , Shi Kun
Published: May 2024

Reprogramming of the serine synthesis pathway (SSP) is intricately linked to the progression of epithelial ovarian cancer (EOC). CBR-5884, a selective small-molecule inhibitor targeting phosphoglycerate dehydrogenase (PHGDH), effectively impedes the de novo synthesis of serine within cancer cells. This study aimed to evaluate the inhibitory effect of CBR-5884 on EOC cells and delineate its specific mechanism, thereby proposing a novel therapeutic approach for treating EOC. The suppression of serine biosynthesis after CBR-5884 treatment was evaluated using RNA sequencing and a serine assay kit, and the results showed that CBR-5884 effectively downregulated serine biosynthesis in EOC cells, particularly those expressing high levels of PHGDH. In vitro studies revealed that CBR-5884 demonstrated significant antitumor effects and suppressed migration and invasion of EOC cells through down-regulation of the integrin subunit beta 4 (ITGB4)/extracellular signal-regulated kinase (ERK)/epithelial–mesenchymal transition signal axis. Additionally, CBR-5884 mitigated the stemness of EOC cells and heightened their sensitivity to chemotherapy. Moreover, in vivo studies revealed that CBR-5884 significantly delayed tumor growth, with histological analysis indicating the safety profile of CBR-5884. Finally, the patient-derived organoid (PDO) models were utilized to explore the preclinical efficacy of CBR-5884 against EOC cells, and the results unveiled that CBR-5884 impeded proliferation and downregulated the expression of ITGB4 in EOC PDO models. Our findings supports the anticancer properties of CBR-5884 in EOC cells exhibiting high PHGDH expression, manifesting through the suppression of proliferation, migration, and invasion, while enhancing chemotherapy sensitivity, suggesting that CBR-5884 holds promise as an efficacious strategy for the treatment of EOC.
Digital biomarkers: 3PM approach revolutionizing chronic disease management — EPMA 2024 position
Authors: Smokovski Ivica , Steinle Nanette , Behnke Andrew , Bhaskar Sonu M. M. , Grech Godfrey , Richter Kneginja , Niklewski Günter , Birkenbihl Colin , Parini Paolo , Andrews Russell J. , Bauchner Howard , Golubnitschaja Olga
Published: May 2024

Non-communicable chronic diseases (NCDs) have become a major global health concern. They constitute the leading cause of disabilities, increased morbidity, mortality, and socio-economic disasters worldwide.

Medical condition-specific digital biomarker (DB) panels have emerged as valuable tools to manage NCDs. DBs refer to the measurable and quantifiable physiological, behavioral, and environmental parameters collected for an individual through innovative digital health technologies, including wearables, smart devices, and medical sensors. By leveraging digital technologies, healthcare providers can gather real-time data and insights, enabling them to deliver more proactive and tailored interventions to individuals at risk and patients diagnosed with NCDs.

Continuous monitoring of relevant health parameters through wearable devices or smartphone applications allows patients and clinicians to track the progression of NCDs in real time. With the introduction of digital biomarker monitoring (DBM), a new quality of primary and secondary healthcare is being offered with promising opportunities for health risk assessment and protection against health-to-disease transitions in vulnerable sub-populations. DBM enables healthcare providers to take the most cost-effective targeted preventive measures, to detect disease developments early, and to introduce personalized interventions. Consequently, they benefit the quality of life (QoL) of affected individuals, healthcare economy, and society at large.

DBM is instrumental for the paradigm shift from reactive medical services to 3PM approach promoted by the European Association for Predictive, Preventive, and Personalized Medicine (EPMA) involving 3PM experts from 55 countries worldwide. This position manuscript consolidates multi-professional expertise in the area, demonstrating clinically relevant examples and providing the roadmap for implementing 3PM concepts facilitated through DBs.