bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Measuring democratic legitimacy within regional organizations - a member states’ perspective
Authors: Zeller Andrea
Published: July 2024

Since the 1990s, the number and international authority of regional organizations (ROs) have increased significantly. Former national decisions are increasingly being taken at the regional level, affecting governance in (democratically constituted) member states. Brexit demonstrated that democratic legitimacy could play a central role for ROs. As states have different (power) resources and political cultures and often do not benefit equally from their membership, democratic legitimacy likely varies between RO member states. This contribution provides a measurement of the democratic legitimacy of a RO’s governance in member states in a selected policy field. The newly developed analytical model can be applied to various ROs and is based on input, throughput, and output legitimacy and the empirical acceptance of a RO and its processes. The requirements for democratic legitimacy vary with the authority and intervention of a RO vis-à-vis its member states, and the concept of democracy contained in input legitimacy is oriented towards the normative core of democracy. This analytical approach aims to highlight and compare the democratic legitimacy of various members of a RO in new or established policy fields and contribute to the discussion on why a member state leaves a RO.
Quantifier processing and semantic flexibility in patients with aphasia
Authors: Reißner Birte , Grohmann Wiebke , Peiseler Natalja , Pinho João , Hußmann Katja , Werner Cornelius J. , Heim Stefan
Published: July 2024

Processing of quantifiers such as “many” and “few” relies on number knowledge, linguistic abilities, and working memory. Negative quantifiers (e.g., “few,” “less than half”) induce higher processing costs than their positive counterparts. Furthermore, the meaning of some quantifiers is flexible and thus adaptable. Importantly, in neurotypical individuals, changing the meaning of one quantifier also leads to a generalized change in meaning for its polar opposite (e.g., the change of the meaning of “many” leads to the change of that of “few”). Here, we extended this research to patients with fluent and non-fluent aphasia after stroke. In two experiments, participants heard sentences of the type “Many/few of the circles are yellow/blue,” each followed by a picture with different quantities of blue and yellow circles. The participants judged whether the sentence adequately described the picture. Each experiment consisted of three blocks: a baseline block to assess the participants’ criteria for both quantifiers, a training block to shift the criteria for “many,” and a test block, identical to the baseline to capture any changes in quantifier semantics. In Experiment 1, the change of the meaning of “many” was induced by using adaptation to small numbers (20–50%) of circles of the named color. In Experiment 2, explicit feedback was given in the training block after each response to rate proportions of 40% (or higher) as “many,” whereas 40% is normally rather rated as “few.” The objective was to determine whether people with fluent or non-fluent aphasia were able to process quantifiers appropriately and whether generalized semantic flexibility was present after brain damage. Sixteen out of 21 patients were able to perform the task. People with fluent aphasia showed the expected polarity effect in the reaction times and shifted their criteria for “many” with generalization to the untrained quantifier “few.” This effect, however, was only obtained after explicit feedback (Experiment 2) but not by mere adaptation (Experiment 1). In contrast, people with non-fluent aphasia did not change the quantifier semantics in either experiment. This study contributes to gaining new insights into quantifier processing and semantic flexibility in people with aphasia and general underlying processing mechanisms.
Patient engagement in multimorbidity: a systematic review of patient-reported outcome measures
Authors: Barello Serena , Anderson Gloria , Bosio Caterina , Lane Deirdre A. , Leo Donato G. , Lobban Trudie C. A. , Trevisan Caterina , Graffigna Guendalina
Published: July 2024

Background

People with multimorbidity are increasingly engaged, enabled, and empowered to take responsibility for managing their health status. The purpose of the study was to systematically review and appraise the psychometric properties of tools measuring patient engagement in adults with multimorbidity and their applicability for use within engagement programs.

Methods

PubMed, Scopus, Web of Science, and PsycInfo were searched from inception to 1 July 2021. Gray literature was searched using EBSCO host-database “Open dissertation”. The reference lists of studies meeting the inclusion criteria were searched to identify additional eligible studies. The screening of the search results and the data extraction were performed independently by two reviewers. The methodological quality of the included studies was evaluated with the COSMIN checklist. Relevant data from all included articles were extracted and summarized in evidence synthesis tables.

Results

Twenty articles on eight tools were included. We included tools that measure all four dimensions of patient engagement (i.e., engagement, empowerment, activation, and participation). Their psychometric properties were analyzed separately. Most tools were developed in the last 10 years in Europe or the USA. The comparison of the estimated psychometric properties of the retrieved tools highlighted a significant lack of reliable patient engagement measures for people with multimorbidity. Available measures capture a diversity of constructs and have very limited evidence of psychometric properties that are vital for patient-reported measures, such as invariance, reliability, and responsiveness.

Conclusion

This review clarifies how patient engagement, as operationalized in measures purporting to capture this concept, overlaps with, and differs from other related constructs in adults with multimorbidity. The methodological quality of psychometric tools measuring patient engagement in adults with multimorbidity could be improved.

Systematic review registration

https://www.crd.york.ac.uk/prospero/display_record.php?RecordID=259968, identifier CRD42021259968.
The last resort: reducing avoidable employee harm by improving the application of the disciplinary policy and process
Authors: Cooper Andrew , Teoh Kevin Rui-Han , Madine Ruth , Neal Adrian , Jones Aled , Hussain Ammarah , Behrens Doris A.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

There is growing evidence within the healthcare sector that employee investigations can harm individuals involved in the process, an organization’s culture and the delivery of its services.

Methods

This paper details an intervention developed by an NHS Wales organization to reduce the number of its employee investigations through an organization-wide focus that promoted a ‘last resort’ approach and introduced the concept of ‘avoidable employee harm’. A range of associated improvement initiatives were developed to support behavior change among those responsible for determining whether an employee investigation should be initiated.

Results

Over a 13-month period, organizational records showed an annual reduction of 71% in investigation cases post-intervention, resulting in an estimated 3,308 sickness days averted annually and total estimated annual savings of £738,133 (based on direct savings and costs averted). This indicates that the organization has started to embrace the “last resort” approach to using employee investigations to address work place issues. The programme was supported with training for those responsible for commissioning and leading the organization’s employee investigations. Analysis of survey data from those who attended training workshops to support the programme indicated that participants showed an increased awareness of the employee investigation process post-workshop and an understanding of the concept of avoidable employee harm.

Discussion

The programme is congruent with the Healthy Healthcare concept, as the study illustrates how its practices and processes have a beneficial impact on staff, as well as potentially on patients. This study highlights wider issues for consideration, including the: (1) the role of Human Resources (HR), (2) taking a multi-disciplinary approach, (3) culture and practice, (4) the responsibility of the wider HR profession.
Sleep quality among emergency nurses and its influencing factors during COVID-19 pandemic: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Alrasheeday Awatif , Alsaeed Maha Ali , Alshammari Bushra , Alshammari Farhan , Alrashidi Asia Saad , Alsaif Turki Ahmed , Mahmoud Soha Kamel , Cabansag Dolores I. , Borja Ma Venus , Alsayed Ahmad R. , Elalem Omaima Mohamed , Nageeb Shaimaa Mohamed , Allam Rania Abd-Elnaby , Alhejaili Tahani Nasser , Alsulami Haneen Fahad , Siam Bahia Galal Abd Elrazik
Published: July 2024

Background

COVID-19 has probably contributed to sleep disturbance among nurses, especially those working at emergency departments (EDs). Sleep disorders in nurse managers can negatively impact their health and impair work performance and decision-making. This study aimed to explore the quality of sleep among nurses working in EDs and its influencing factors during the COVID-19 pandemic.

Method

In this study, a cross-sectional design was employed to assess the sleep quality of nurses working in EDs during the COVID-19 pandemic. The research recruited a convenience sample of emergency nurses, who were selectively sourced from four hospitals in Hail City. This recruitment occurred over the period from April to July 2022. Descriptive data analysis was conducted using SPSS, with the significance level set at 0.05.

Results

Among the 216 participants in the study, the majority (55.6%) were aged between 30 and 39 years, and 73.6% were female. Additionally, 64.4% were married, while 69.4% had a bachelor’s degree, 20% held a diploma, and the remaining had a master’s degree. Notably, a significant 81.5% of the nurses reported poor sleep quality, as assessed by the Pittsburgh Sleep Quality Index (PSQI), with an overall mean score of 10.55 indicating poor sleep. The study highlighted that poor sleep quality among nurses was linked to being female, being married, and not exercising regularly. Better sleep was associated with nurses who manage fewer patients per shift and have adequate monthly income.

Conclusion

The prevalence of poor sleep quality among Emergency nurses during the COVID-19 pandemic is high. There is a pressing need for targeted interventions to enhance sleep quality among ED nurses. Improving sleep quality is not only essential for the wellbeing of these nurses but is also likely to contribute to better patient care.
Somatosensory Amplification Scale—Chinese version: psychometric properties and its mediating role in the relationship between alexithymia and somatization
Authors: Tan Yafei , An Xiaoran , Cao Menglu , Van den Bergh Omer
Published: July 2024

The Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS) was designed to measure individual’s tendency to experience visceral and somatic sensations as unusually intense, disturbing and alarming. In this study, we aimed to investigate the reliability and validity of the SSAS in the Chinese general population, as well as the mediating effect of somatosensory amplification in the relationship between alexithymia and somatization. A total of 386 healthy adults were enrolled in this study. Participants completed the Chinese versions of the Somatosensory Amplification Scale (SSAS-C), the somatization subscale of the Symptom Check List 90 (SCL-90 som), the Toronto Alexithymia Scale (TAS-20), and the Short form Health Anxiety Inventory (SHAI). One hundred and thirty-three participants were randomly selected to complete the SSAS-C again two weeks after the initial assessment. The reliability and validity of the SSAS-C were analyzed. Confirmatory factor analysis showed that the one-factor model achieved adequate model fits; one item was deleted due to low factor loading. The revised SSAS-C showed good internal consistency and test-retest reliability. The SSAS-C scores correlated positively with the scores of SCL-90 som, TAS-20 and the SHAI, showing good convergent validity. In addition, somatosensory amplification mediated the association between alexithymia and somatization. The Chinese version of SSAS has acceptable reliability and validity for the general population. In addition, alexithymia may increase somatization through higher somatosensory amplification.
The impact of a growth mindset on high school students’ learning subjective well-being: the serial mediation role of achievement motivation and grit
Authors: Zhao Wei , Shi Xiang , Jin Mingfei , Li Yangyang , Liang Chen , Ji Yilong , Cao Jiaxuan , Oubibi Mohamed , Li Xiaolin , Tian Yuan
Published: July 2024

Purpose

The learning subjective well-being of high school students has significant value for their academic achievement and future life development. A growth mindset is one of the key factors affecting the learning subjective well-being of high school students. However, research on the mechanism by which a growth mindset affects learning subjective well-being is still relatively limited. Therefore, the study aims to investigate the impact of a growth mindset on the learning subjective well-being of high school students, as well as the role that achievement motivation and grit play as serial mediators in this relationship.

Methods

This study employed a convenience sampling method to select 708 high school students from Chinese public high schools as participants. The research utilized the Growth Mindset Scale, Achievement Motivation Scale, Grit Scale, and the Learning Subjective Well-being Questionnaire for High School Students to collect data. All data were analyzed using SPSS 26.0, employing Model 6 from Hayes’ SPSS PROCESS macro to test the serial mediation model.

Results

Our results found that (1) high school students’ growth mindset positively predicted their learning subjective well-being. (2) Achievement motivation played a mediating role between a growth mindset and learning subjective well-being among high school students. (3) Grit acted as a mediator between learning subjective well-being and growth mindset among high school students. (4) Achievement motivation and grit served as serial mediators between a growth mindset and learning subjective well-being among high school students.

Conclusion

A growth mindset can influence the learning subjective well-being of high school students through achievement motivation and grit. Educators can enhance the learning subjective well-being of high school students by implementing intervention strategies that foster a growth mindset, achievement motivation, and grit.
Coeliac disease and postpartum depression: are they linked? A two-sample Mendelian randomization study
Authors: Yu Xiaomeng , Cheng Mosong , Zheng Jindan
Published: July 2024

Background

To explore the potential causal associations between coeliac disease(CD) and postpartum depression(PPD) by using two-sample Mendelian randomization(MR) analysis.

Methods

The IEU OPEN GWAS project was utilized to identify genetic loci strongly associated with CD as instrumental variables (IVs), and MR analysis was performed using inverse variance weighting(IVW), weighted median, weighted model, and MR-Egger. MR analyses were used to examine whether there was a link between CD and PPD, with an OR and 95% CI. Meanwhile, the relationship between CD and depression(DP) was analyzed using MR. The sensitivity analysis was conducted using MR-Egger intercept analysis, Cochran’s Q test, and leave-one-out analysis.

Results

From the GWAS online database, 13 single-nucleotide polymorphisms (SNPs) were chosen as IVs. The IVW results showed a relationship between PPD and a genetically predicted risk of developing CD (OR = 1.022, 95% CI: 1.001–1.044, P = 0.043). However, the presence of DP was not linked with CD (OR=0.991, 95% CI: 0.978–1.003, P=0.151). Potential horizontal pleiotropy was not discovered using MR-Egger intercept analysis (PPD: P=0.725; DP: P=0.785), and Cochran’s Q test for heterogeneity revealed no significant heterogeneity (PPD: P=0.486; DP: P=0.909). A leave-one-out analysis found that individual SNPs had minimal effect on overall causal estimations.

Conclusion

MR research discovered a link between CD and PPD.
One or two things we know about concept drift—a survey on monitoring in evolving environments. Part B: locating and explaining concept drift
Authors: Hinder Fabian , Vaquet Valerie , Hammer Barbara
Published: July 2024

In an increasing number of industrial and technical processes, machine learning-based systems are being entrusted with supervision tasks. While they have been successfully utilized in many application areas, they frequently are not able to generalize to changes in the observed data, which environmental changes or degrading sensors might cause. These changes, commonly referred to as concept drift can trigger malfunctions in the used solutions which are safety-critical in many cases. Thus, detecting and analyzing concept drift is a crucial step when building reliable and robust machine learning-driven solutions. In this work, we consider the setting of unsupervised data streams which is highly relevant for different monitoring and anomaly detection scenarios. In particular, we focus on the tasks of localizing and explaining concept drift which are crucial to enable human operators to take appropriate action. Next to providing precise mathematical definitions of the problem of concept drift localization, we survey the body of literature on this topic. By performing standardized experiments on parametric artificial datasets we provide a direct comparison of different strategies. Thereby, we can systematically analyze the properties of different schemes and suggest first guidelines for practical applications. Finally, we explore the emerging topic of explaining concept drift.
Relational peer victimization and depression symptoms in young adults: longitudinal evidence from before and during the COVID-19 pandemic
Authors: Vaillancourt Tracy , Brittain Heather
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Some targets of relational peer victimization become depressed because of their poor treatment. These associations are well documented in youth but are rarely studied in adults.

Methods

The longitudinal pathways between relational peer victimization (being excluded, stonewalled, etc.) and symptoms of depression were examined in a sample of 392 young adults from Ontario, Canada using annual assessments from age 19 to 24. The role of the COVID-19 pandemic was also examined.

Results

Latent curve models with structured residuals indicated that individuals who reported greater relational peer victimization than others also reported more symptoms of depression (between-person association) and those who were more relationally victimized than their expected level were more depressed than expected (within-person association). During the COVID-19 pandemic, the within-time association between relational peer victimization and depression symptoms was reduced. Specifically, accounting for between-person effects and prior individual differences, we found a predicted decoupling of relational peer victimization and depression symptoms in the first year of the pandemic when social non-pharmaceutical interventions (NPIs) were heavily implemented in Ontario, but not the second year, when NPIs were relaxed (but not abandoned).

Discussion

Our findings indicate that the social NPIs implemented in the initial year of the pandemic may have inadvertently led to a positive impact on the association between relational peer victimization and depression symptoms. This finding underscores the importance of minimizing interactions with abusive peers whenever feasible as a strategy to enhance mental well-being.
How does geographical branding improve the efficiency of the apple supply chain?
Authors: Noori Siavash , Niknami Mehrdad , Sabouri Mohammad Sadegh , Rafiee Hamed
Published: July 2024

Brands are among the most valuable assets of agricultural businesses. Geographical branding can play a fundamental role in national and international markets by creating a competitive identity. On the other hand, orchard owners in a certain geographical region can understand the status of a product’s supply chain. Nonetheless, few studies have focused on how branding can influence the status of a product’s supply chain. Thus, the present study aimed to analyze the effect of geographical branding on improving the apple supply chain. The research is an applied study in terms of the goal, conducted by the survey methodology. Data were collected by distributing 360 questionnaires among apple orchard owners in Damavand County sampled by simple randomization. Cochran’s formula estimated the sample size. The research instrument was a research-made questionnaire. Data were analyzed by structural equation modeling. According to the results, special brand value, brand loyalty, brand image, brand attitude, brand experience, brand purchasing intention, and brand identity were the components found to improve the efficiency of the Apple supply chain significantly.
Analyzing shifts in fertilizer use with crop rotation practices in Saskatchewan across distinct periods from 1991–94 to 2016–19
Authors: Lika Elisabeta , Sutherland Chelsea , Gleim Savannah , Smyth Stuart J.
Published: July 2024

Introduction

Over the last three decades, Saskatchewan, home to over 40% of Canada's cropland, has seen transformative shifts in dryland crop production. Notably, the adoption of herbicide-tolerant canola in 1995 and the increase in nitrogen-fixing pulse crops like lentils and chickpeas have moved agricultural practices away from traditional fallow and tilled fields to more continuous crop rotations.

Methods

Our study, analyzing survey data from 1991–1994 and to 2016–2019, evaluates how these changes have influenced fertilizer usage, focusing on application rates, timing, and types.

Results

We anticipated that integrating nitrogen-fixing pulses and genetically modified herbicide-tolerant (GMHT) canola would promote more sustainable fertilization methods. Indeed, our results show significant reductions in nitrogen fertilizer use - by 49% to 73% in the earlier period and 3% to 19% more recently - due to the integration of these crops.

Discussion

GMHT canola, by reducing the dependency on synthetic nitrogen fertilizers, demonstrates a shift in fertility dynamics by enhancing nutrient uptake efficiency. This adaptation has not only reduced fertilizer costs but also contributed to more sustainable crop management. These findings highlight the environmental benefits of updated crop rotations, emphasizing the improved efficiency of fertilizer use. More broadly, they highlight the potential of expanded pulse cultivation to boost agricultural sustainability and reduce greenhouse gas emissions through better nitrogen management. While the transferability of these findings may be limited by the study's regional focus and sample size, they hold value for informing sustainable practices in similar agricultural settings.
The nomogram for predicting nasal bleeding after endoscopic transsphenoidal resection of pituitary adenomas: a retrospective study
Authors: Wang Ying , Wang Wei , Huang Qinghua , Yan Wei , Lan Meijuan
Published: July 2024

Objective

This study aimed to develop and validate a dynamic nomogram to assess the risk of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection.

Methods

A retrospective analysis was conducted on patients who underwent endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection from June 2019 to June 2021. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were used to screen for independent risk factors for nasal bleeding from the training set. A multivariate logistic regression model was established, a nomogram was plotted, and it was validated in an internal validation set. The performance of the nomogram was evaluated based on the receiver operating characteristic (ROC) curve, calibration curve, and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

The nomogram indicators included anticoagulant use, sphenoid sinus artery injury, nasal irrigation, platelet count (PLT), and constipation. The predictive model had an area under the ROC curve of 0.932 (95% CI: 0.873–0.990) and 0.969 (95% CI: 0.940–0.997) for the training and validation sets, respectively, indicating good discrimination. The calibration curve showed good consistency between the actual and predicted incidence of nasal bleeding (p > 0.05). DCA indicated that the nomogram had good clinical net benefit in predicting postoperative nasal bleeding in patients.

Conclusion

In summary, this study explored the incidence and influencing factors of nasal bleeding after endoscopic transnasal transsphenoidal pituitary tumor resection and established a predictive model to assist clinical decision-making.
Utilizing computational materials modeling and big data to develop printable high gamma prime superalloys for additive manufacturing
Authors: Bracci Jonathon , Kaufmann Kevin , Schlatter Jesse , Vecchio James , Zhou Naixie , Jiang Sicong , Vecchio Kenneth S. , Cheney Justin
Published: July 2024

Metal-based additive manufacturing offers potential to disrupt the manufacturing process across multiple industries. However, the vast majority of modern alloys are incompatible with the complex thermal histories of additive manufacturing. For example, the high gamma prime forming nickel-based superalloys are of considerable commercial interest owing to their properties; however, their gamma prime content renders them non-weldable and prone to cracking during additive manufacturing. Computational materials modeling and big data analytics is becoming an increasingly valuable tool for developing new alloys for additive manufacturing. This work reports the use of such tools toward the design of a high gamma prime superalloy with reduced cracking susceptibility while maintaining similar hardness to CM247. Experimental fabrication and characterization of the candidate alloys is performed. Results show the candidate alloys have improved printability, up to 41x reduction in crack density (mm/mm2) compared with CM247, and good agreement with the modeled predictions.
A broader evaluation of vaccine-induced T cell immunity against tuberculosis
Authors: Ogongo Paul
Published: July 2024

Although Bacillus Calmette-Guérin (BCG) vaccine, the only licensed vaccine against tuberculosis (TB), is the most widely used vaccine worldwide, TB is the second leading global killer from a single infectious agent responsible for over one million deaths annually. With the increasing threat of the emergence of drug-resistant TB, there is intense research toward better and more efficacious vaccines against TB. Indeed, TB vaccine research has blossomed in recent years: demonstration of sterilizing immunity against Mycobacterium tuberculosis (Mtb) challenge in non-human primates, the potential benefit of BCG revaccination in humans, and a phase IIb vaccine with ~50% efficacy against developing active disease. Consequently, several vaccines are set to begin phase 3 trials in 2024, and new candidates have entered phase 1 including mRNA-based TB vaccines. However, despite the enthusiasm, there are no known correlates of protection against TB, the antigens that induce protective immunity are incompletely defined, and the overreliance on Th1 cytokine production as an “absolute” measure of protection is increasingly debatable. In this perspective, I highlight the recent milestones in TB Vaccine research and the remaining challenges and propose suggestions for future considerations.
Predicting antibody and ACE2 affinity for SARS-CoV-2 BA.2.86 and JN.1 with in silico protein modeling and docking
Authors: Yasa Shirish , Guirales-Medrano Sayal , Machado Denis Jacob , Ford Colby T. , Janies Daniel
Published: July 2024

The emergence of SARS-CoV-2 lineages derived from Omicron, including BA.2.86 (nicknamed “Pirola”) and its relative, JN.1, has raised concerns about their potential impact on public and personal health due to numerous novel mutations. Despite this, predicting their implications based solely on mutation counts proves challenging. Empirical evidence of JN.1’s increased immune evasion capacity in relation to previous variants is mixed. To improve predictions beyond what is possible based solely on mutation counts, we conducted extensive in silico analyses on the binding affinity between the RBD of different SARS-CoV-2 variants (Wuhan-Hu-1, BA.1/B.1.1.529, BA.2, XBB.1.5, BA.2.86, and JN.1) and neutralizing antibodies from vaccinated or infected individuals, as well as the human angiotensin-converting enzyme 2 (ACE2) receptor. We observed no statistically significant difference in binding affinity between BA.2.86 or JN.1 and other variants. Therefore, we conclude that the new SARS-CoV-2 variants have no pronounced immune escape or infection capacity compared to previous variants. However, minor reductions in binding affinity for both the antibodies and ACE2 were noted for JN.1. Future research in this area will benefit from increased structural analyses of memory B-cell derived antibodies and should emphasize the importance of choosing appropriate samples for in silico studies to assess protection provided by vaccination and infection. Moreover, the fitness benefits of genomic variation outside of the RBD of BA.2.86 and JN.1 need to be investigated. This research contributes to understanding the BA.2.86 and JN.1 variants’ potential impact on public health.
Pastoralist livelihood diversification and social network transition: a conceptual framework
Authors: Baird Timothy D.
Published: July 2024

Around the world, many pastoralists are diversifying their livelihoods by incorporating alternative income generating activities. Much scholarship has examined the causes of this trend, however, less has been written about the consequences of diversification, especially how it may affect the structure and function of pastoralists’ social networks. This perspective presents a conceptual framework for a pastoralist social network transition, driven by livelihood diversification, and its effects on resilience at household and community scales.
Cholangiocyte Organoids in Liver Transplantation; a Comprehensive Review
Authors: Rejas C. , Junger H.
Published: July 2024

Liver transplantation is the only curative option for many liver diseases that end up in liver failure, and cholangiopathy remains a challenging complication post-liver transplant, associated with significant morbidity and potential graft loss. The low availability of organs and high demand for transplantation motivate scientists to find novel interventions. Organoids, as three-dimensional cell cultures derived from adult cells or induced pluripotent cells, may help to address this problem. Different types of organoids have been described, from which cholangiocyte organoids offer a high level of versatility and plasticity for a deeper study of liver disease mechanisms. Cholangiocytes can be obtained from different segments of the biliary tree and have shown a remarkable capacity to adapt to new environments, presenting an effective system for studying cholangiopathies. Studies using cholangiocyte organoids show promising results for disease modeling, where organoids offer fundamental features to recapitulate the complexities of tissues in vitro and uncover fundamental pathological pathways to potentially reveal therapeutic strategies for personalized medicine. Organoids could hold the potential for regeneration of injured livers, representing tools of clinical impact in regenerative medicine when tissue damage is already present.
Algorithm for Assessment of the Switching Angles in the Unipolar SPWM Technique for Single-Phase Inverters
Authors: Ponce-Silva Mario , Sánchez-Vargas Óscar , Cortés-García Claudia , Aguayo-Alquicira Jesús , De León-Aldaco Susana Estefany
Published: July 2024

The main contribution of this paper is to present a simple algorithm that theoretically and numerically assesses the switching angles of an inverter operated with the SPWM technique. This technique is the most widely used for eliminating harmonics in DC-AC converters for powering motors, renewable energy applications, household appliances, etc. Unlike conventional implementations of the SPWM technique based on the analog or digital comparison of a sinusoidal signal with a triangular signal, this paper mathematically performs this comparison. It proposes a simple solution to solve the transcendental equations arising from the mathematical analysis numerically. The technique is validated by calculating the total harmonic distortion (THD) of the generated signal theoretically and numerically, and the results indicate that the calculated angles produce the same distribution of harmonics calculated analytically and numerically. The algorithm is limited to single-phase inverters with unipolar SPWM.
Enabling Decision Making with the Modified Causal Forest: Policy Trees for Treatment Assignment
Authors: Bodory Hugo , Mascolo Federica , Lechner Michael
Published: July 2024

Decision making plays a pivotal role in shaping outcomes across various disciplines, such as medicine, economics, and business. This paper provides practitioners with guidance on implementing a decision tree designed to optimise treatment assignment policies through an interpretable and non-parametric algorithm. Building upon the method proposed by Zhou, Athey, and Wager (2023), our policy tree introduces three key innovations: a different approach to policy score calculation, the incorporation of constraints, and enhanced handling of categorical and continuous variables. These innovations enable the evaluation of a broader class of policy rules, all of which can be easily obtained using a single module. We showcase the effectiveness of our policy tree in managing multiple, discrete treatments using datasets from diverse fields. Additionally, the policy tree is implemented in the open-source Python package mcf (modified causal forest), facilitating its application in both randomised and observational research settings.
The Influence of Environmental, Social, and Governance Issues in the Banking Industry
Authors: Gonzalez-Ruiz Juan David , Ospina Patiño Camila , Marín-Rodríguez Nini Johana
Published: July 2024

This study examines the current trajectory and future research directions of environmental, social, and governance (ESG) integration within the banking industry. Utilizing bibliometric and scientometric approaches, it highlights trend topics, influential studies, and notable contributors. Drawing from an analysis of 681 studies from Scopus and Web of Science databases, a comprehensive dataset was curated using scientometric networks with VOSviewer and Bibliometrix tools. This study emphasizes the evolving nature of ESG integration within banking, emphasizing an interdisciplinary shift encompassing environmental, social, and governance considerations. Keyword analysis reveals emerging trends, including the influence of ESG factors on banks’ financial performance, regional variations in ESG integration within banking, and risk assessment related to ESG factors and credit risk in banks. By offering insights into the evolving topic of ESG integration within banking and identifying promising avenues for further exploration, such as the fundamental connection between ESG and sustainability, particularly in climate change and green finance, this research contributes to ongoing discussions surrounding ESG integration in the banking industry, guiding future research efforts in this vital financial sector.
Design and Experiment of the Profiling Header of River Dike Mower
Authors: Li Mingsheng , Yan Yulin , Tian Lin , Chen Xingzheng , Liu Fanyi
Published: July 2024

Drawing upon advancements in profiling technology, this paper presents an innovative lateral profiling mechanism for the header to improve mowing efficiency and the ability to adapt to terrain for river dike mowers. It delves into the imitation principle and forced situations. Furthermore, a novel lawn protection boot design has been introduced, capable of adjusting mowing heights with swift transitions. The structural integrity of this boot has been optimized through rigorous finite element analysis. Meanwhile, the rolling shaft and cutter have been carefully selected and designed, with a mechanical model of the cutter established to examine its motion and force characteristics. In addition, hydraulic circuits tailored to fulfill the required functions of the header have been devised, and key hydraulic components have been appropriately selected. Key components are subjected to finite element analysis by using ANSYS to verify and optimize their structural strength. Prototype testing and field trials are subsequently conducted, revealing that the mower can achieve a mowing speed of 0.85 m/s on flat ground and a 25-degree slope, thereby fulfilling the design requirements for mowing speed. The imitation mechanism adapts to different embankment terrains. Notably, the lawn protection boots offer adjustable mowing heights of 10.4 cm, 12 cm, and 14 cm, respectively, with a height adjustment range of approximately 2 cm for each position, meeting the requirement for adjusting mowing heights. In addition, the transition time between different positions of the lawn protection boots is less than 5 min, achieving rapid switching and operational efficiency. Furthermore, a mowing uniformity test is conducted by using a header equipped with profiling functionality. The results reveal that the mowing effect of the profiling header meets design requirements, demonstrating its effectiveness and reliability in agricultural applications.
Potential and Pathways of Carbon Emission Reduction in China’s Beef Production from the Supply Chain Perspective
Authors: Zhang Lijun , Yin Gaofei , Wei Zihao , Li Wenchao , Cui Cha , Wang Mingli , Zhao Chen , Zhao Huifeng , Xue Fengrui
Published: July 2024

Beef production is the primary contributor to greenhouse gas emissions in animal husbandry. But the carbon emission distribution, potential for carbon reduction, and pathways in the main links of the beef cattle industry chain are not yet clear. Balancing efficiency and fairness while taking tailored emission reduction paths according to local conditions is crucial in helping to achieve the low-carbon animal husbandry and “dual carbon” goals. This research adopts an industry chain perspective to assess four leading beef production regions’ carbon emissions, potential, and pathways in China from 2007 to 2021. We use life cycle assessment, the potential index which considers efficiency and fairness; the results are as follows: (1) The potential for carbon emission reduction in China’s beef industry showed an inverted U-shaped change trend from 2007 to 2021, and the average potential for carbon emission reduction in most provinces fluctuated around 0.500. (2) The main producing areas of China’s beef industry were divided into four areas of high efficiency and low fairness (Area A); high efficiency and high fairness (Area B); low efficiency and low fairness (Area C); and low efficiency and high fairness (Area D). (3) Differentiated emission reduction pathways were designed to reduce emissions, highlighting the need to implement region-specific carbon reduction policies.
Effect of Introgression of Ty-1 and ty-5 Genes on Productivity, Quality, and Antioxidant Compounds in De la Pera Tomato Breeding Lines
Authors: Cabrera José Ángel , Carbonell Pedro , Salinas Juan Francisco , Grau Adrian , Alonso Aranzazu , Hernández Francisca , Ruiz Juan José , García-Martínez Santiago
Published: July 2024

Tomato (Solanum lycopersicum L.) is a crop that is affected by more than a hundred viral species. De la pera is a local varietal type of tomato that is very popular in southeastern Spain. However, it is highly susceptible to several viruses, such as Tomato yellow leaf curl virus (TYLCV), which is considered one of the most important diseases of tomato crops and is a limiting factor for production in both outdoor and protected crops, making it difficult to eradicate. This study shows the effect of gene introgression on the performance of traditional lines of De la pera by combining two genes that offer tolerance to TYLCV, Ty-1 and ty-5, on some yield and quality traits and on the antioxidant capacity of tomato fruits. Two pear tomato breeding families, UMH175 and UMH220, were evaluated. Four lines from each of the families with all homozygous combinations of the Ty-1 and ty-5 genes were studied. The results showed that the introgression of the ty-5 allele produced a slight negative effect on yield, mean fruit weight, total soluble solids, and titratable acidity, in contrast to Ty-1, which produced a large negative effect. None of the introgressions showed a negative effect on the antioxidant compounds. ty-5 is a promising gene for use in breeding programs.
Post-Harvest Fruit Conservation of Eugenia dysenterica DC., Spondias purpurea L., Hancornia speciosa Gomes and Talisia esculenta Radlk
Authors: Sobral Raquel Rodrigues Soares , Mizobutsi Gisele Polete , Mizobutsi Edson Hiydu , Aguiar Flávia Soares , Almeida Luciele Barboza de , Almeida Lucicleia Borges , Santos Rayane Carneiro dos , Oliveira Lucas Maciel de , Souza Diego Batista , Costa Jéfferson de Oliveira
Published: July 2024

The high rate of perishability of fruits such as cagaita (Eugenia dysenterica DC.), seriguela (Spondias purpurea L.), mangaba (Hancornia speciosa Gomes) and pitomba (Talisia esculenta Radlk.) makes it necessary to develop adequate conservation techniques to increase post-harvest shelf life. The aim of this research was to evaluate the post-harvest quality attributes of cagaita, seriguela, mangaba and pitomba fruits stored in different types of packaging during certain periods. The treatments were defined by the combination of three types of packaging (low-density polyethylene (LDPE), polyvinyl chloride (PVC) and without packaging) and seven storage periods. Total soluble solids, titratable acidity, hydrogen potential (pH), fruit firmness and loss of fresh mass were analyzed. Fruits packaged with LDPE presented the lowest values of fresh mass loss: 2.7, 2.3, 4.2 and 1.1% for cagaita, seriguela, mangaba and pitomba, respectively. Furthermore, LPDE packaging maintained the quality attributes in all fruits analyzed. PVC packaging was more efficient in maintaining fruit firmness, with average values of 0.03 N. Atmospheric modification techniques, such as LDPE and PVC packaging, make it possible to reduce metabolic activity, ensuring better post-harvest quality and increasing the storage period of fruits that occur in the semiarid region of Minas Gerais.
Traction Force, Sowing Quality, and Deformation Characteristics of the Coulter of a Grain–Fertilizer–Grass Seeder
Authors: Nukeshev Sayakhat , Kossatbekova Dinara , Ramaniuk Mikalai , Sagitov Almat , Akhmetov Yerzhan , Mamyrbayeva Indira , Tanbayev Khozhakeldi , Tleumbetov Kaldybek
Published: July 2024

The development of restoration technology and meadows, improvement of run-down pastures, and productivity improvement of old crops of perennial grasses is an urgent problem in agriculture. The tillage traction force in seeder designing and manufacturing is an important indicator of energy efficiency. The objective of this work is to reduce traction force and ensure seeding depth uniformity by justifying the optimal chisel parameters of a grain–fertilizer–grass seeder for direct seeding in sod. The Box–Behnken method was applied to investigate the traction force dependence on the seeder velocity, seed embedding depth, chisel width, and mounting angle. The obtained optimal parameters of coulters were justified by the finite element method. Structural and technological parameters were checked using the smoothed-particle hydrodynamics method on the deformation and wear of the seeder working body. The revealed optimal coulter parameters were as follows: chisel width was 20–20.97 mm, chisel length was 145–148.9 mm, mounting angle was 75°–81.6°, and achieved minimum traction force was 720 N. These parameters ensure the quality of grass seed embedding in the sod. The theoretical data of traction force (8.27–8.39 kN) are in accordance with the experimental (8.28–8.63 kN) data under field conditions. These findings are efficient in agrotechnical and mechanical predictions regarding the occurrence of chisel residual stresses and the working lifetime of the part.
Linking the Laboratory and the Field in Potato Early Dying Detection: From Spectral Signatures to Vegetation Indices Obtained with Multispectral Cameras Coupled to Drones
Authors: León-Rueda William A. , Gómez-Caro Sandra , Mendoza-Vargas Luis A. , León-Sánchez Camilo A. , Ramírez-Gil Joaquín G.
Published: July 2024

Potato production systems present various phytosanitary problems. Among these, potato early dying (PED) caused by Verticillium spp. is a disease that is difficult to detect in its early stages and whose expression occurs in critical growing phases of the crop, such as tuber filling, generating a high economic impact. The objective of this work was to use spectral data to classify potato plants and identify the degree of severity of PED using spectral signatures and multispectral images captured on potato plants under greenhouse and commercial production conditions. Methods such as principal component analysis (PCA), random forest (RF), support vector machine (SVM), and artificial neural network (ANN) algorithms were implemented. All algorithms performed well; however, the RF was more accurate after iteration. The RF had a good capacity for indirect detection of PED, with an average accuracy of 60.9%. The wavelengths related to the red and red edges, especially from 710 to 735 nm, proved to be highly informative. As a result of the congruence between field and greenhouse data, the RECI, NDRE, VWI, and GRVI spectral indices were consistent with the discrimination of symptoms and PED severity levels. Identified wavelengths can be applied in the design of optical sensors that, together with the use of ML algorithms, can be implemented in the remote detection of early death in potato crops.