bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Neural representation of phonological wordform in bilateral posterior temporal cortex
Authors: Sorensen David O. , Avcu Enes , Lynch Skyla , Ahlfors Seppo P. , Gow David W.
Published: July 2023

While the neural bases of the earliest stages of speech categorization have been widely explored using neural decoding methods, there is still a lack of consensus on questions as basic as how wordforms are represented and in what way this word-level representation influences downstream processing in the brain. Isolating and localizing the neural representations of wordform is challenging because spoken words evoke activation of a variety of representations (e.g., segmental, semantic, articulatory) in addition to form-based representations. We addressed these challenges through a novel integrated neural decoding and effective connectivity design using region of interest (ROI)-based, source reconstructed magnetoencephalography/electroencephalography (MEG/EEG) data collected during a lexical decision task. To localize wordform representations, we trained classifiers on words and nonwords from different phonological neighborhoods and then tested the classifiers’ ability to discriminate between untrained target words that overlapped phonologically with the trained items. Training with either word or nonword neighbors supported decoding in many brain regions during an early analysis window (100-400 ms) reflecting primarily incremental phonological processing. Training with word neighbors, but not nonword neighbors, supported decoding in a bilateral set of temporal lobe ROIs, in a later time window (400-600 ms) reflecting activation related to word recognition. These ROIs included bilateral posterior temporal regions implicated in wordform representation. Effective connectivity analyses among regions within this subset indicated that word-evoked activity influenced the decoding accuracy more than nonword-evoked activity did. Taken together, these results evidence functional representation of wordforms in bilateral temporal lobes isolated from phonemic or semantic representations.
Using citizen science to protect threatened amphibian populations in urban spaces: ecology, life history, and conservation of green toads and fire salamanders in Jerusalem and Haifa
Authors: Darel Omer , Rybak Olga , Ben Levy Asaf , Kolodny Gabi , Kis- Papo Tamar , Lavie Alon Nirit , Vidan Rotem , Kolodny Oren
Published: July 2023

The rapid urbanization processes occurring worldwide are amongst the main factors driving the current biodiversity crisis. In particular, a third of known amphibian species are directly threatened by urbanization. The negation of this threat will require conservation efforts aimed at sustaining viable amphibian populations within the urban landscape, which must be informed by a deep understanding of the way amphibian populations are affected by the unique risk factors of the urban environment.

To address this need for four populations of amphibians in Israel, we performed a capture-recapture analysis on two datasets. The larger of the two datasets is the result of a multi-year citizen science program focused on twoSalamandra infraimmaculatapopulations within the city of Haifa, Israel. The second dataset is the result of one year of survey following a similar protocol that we performed on twoBufotes variabilispopulations within the city of Jerusalem and at a nature reserve near it. Individuals of both species have unique and recognizable dorsal spot patterns, which allowed for noninvasive recapture identification.

The results of our analysis provide insights that can guide future conservation of the specific studied population, but our conclusions have wider implications, regarding both the ecology of the studied species and applied conservation science: using the salamander dataset, we developed a method of length-based age estimations for this species and found that the studied salamanders have a prolonged period of increased vulnerability throughout their first years of life, even after reaching sexual maturity.

Additionally, the shared conclusions from the two case studies indicate that the creation of fish-containing artificial water bodies in Mediterranean habitats can have detrimental impacts on the resident amphibian populations.

Synthesis and implications: The significance and extent of our results demonstrate the effectiveness of citizen science as a tool for research and conservation in the urban environment. Our findings call for the implementation of management practices that prioritize the protection of urban amphibians and their habitats. By identifying the vulnerability of amphibians during critical life stages and highlighting the negative impacts of fish-containing water bodies, our study contributes to the development of informed conservation policies with implications for urban planning, habitat management, and biodiversity conservation strategies.
Examining the effects of technology–organization–environment framework on operational performance through supply chain integration of the firm
Authors: Chatha Kamran Ali , Jajja Muhammad Shakeel Sadiq , Gillani Fatima , Farooq Sami
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to investigate the role of organizational and technological enablers and their arrangement and alignment with the external environment to facilitate supply chain integration (SCI), which consequently improves operational performance.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper uses a structural equation modeling approach and the data from 307 manufacturing firms from the International Manufacturing Strategy Survey version VI for hypotheses testing.

Findings

The findings of the study reveal that (1) the alignment and particular arrangement of the sociotechnical organizational factors enable the SCI of a firm, (2) suitable organizational arrangements help in leveraging SCI under environmental pressures, and (3) SCI leverages the relationship between sociotechnical organizational factors and operational performance of the firm.

Practical implications

This paper informs managers that SCI leverages the operational performance of firms under heightened environmental pressures. Developing suitable manufacturing technologies infrastructure followed by organizational practices aligned with the manufacturing technologies make it easier to realize SCI.

Originality/value

This study explores the interaction of technological, organizational, and environmental factors as driving and enabling factors that help achieve SCI. Firms that develop an open and collaborative environment and use communication and integrative technologies to complement their work practices better cope with external pressures. These modern forms of working and the use of technologies facilitate SCI and leverage it effectively to positively impact firm performance.
Have the transformation of resource-based cities impacted the innovation capacity? – Based on Chinese data from 2000 to 2019
Authors: Zhao Shuliang , Fan Qi
Published: July 2023

Purpose

It has been ten years since the policy was implemented, but the effect of the policy needs to be tested empirically. This paper aims to explore the mechanism of policy influence on regional innovation ability by measuring the effectiveness of policy by innovation ability indicators. Further, it reflects the problems in the process of the transformation and development of resource-based cities in recent years and points out the direction for the development of the cities in the future. In addition, this paper discusses the differences between regions and cities in China and seeks the path to narrow the gap.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper mainly uses the difference-in-difference method for the research. This study divided China’s resource-based cities and non-resource-based cities into experimental groups and control groups, and explored the effect of the transformation and development of resource-based cities and the changes of their innovation ability under the influence of the National Sustainable Development Plan for Resource-based Cities (NSDPRC). More carefully, this paper uses the fixed effects regression model, propensity score matching method, bootstrap method and other methods to improve the empirical results.

Findings

This paper finds that NSDPRC significantly improves the innovation ability of resource-based cities, although there is some lag in this effect. Research on the influence mechanism of policies shows that NSDPRC improves the marketization degree of resource-based cities and reduces the proportion of the secondary industry in such cities. Finally, the results of the heterogeneity analysis confirm that policies are more popular in western China and that resource-based cities in growth, maturity and decline are more vulnerable to policy influence. The development of policy effectiveness also requires the size of a city, and maintaining a healthy and reasonable scale is necessary for urban development.

Originality/value

First, the existing research on the development of resource-based cities is mainly from the perspective of economy and environment, but rarely from the perspective of innovation ability, and the index to measure urban development is relatively single. This paper will compensate for this deficiency. Second, different from the European and American countries that have basically completed the industrial transformation, the research on Chinese cities will provide a reference for the transformation of developing countries. Finally, from the perspective of resource endowment theory and innovation theory, this paper discusses the influence of SDPNRBC mechanism on the innovation ability improvement of resource-based cities, and further improves and enriches the theory.
Exploring the effect of cognitive factors and e-social interactions on the green purchase intention: evidence from a transitional economy
Authors: Phan Vu-Dung-Van , Huang Yung-Fu , Do Manh-Hoang
Published: July 2023

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the cognitive factors and e-social interactions that influence the green purchase intention of Vietnamese consumers.

Design/methodology/approach

This study conducted the survey with 453 samples of young consumers in Vietnam, using the partial least squares structural equation modeling approach to evaluate the measurement quality to deal with research objectives.

Findings

The findings of this study demonstrate that cognitive factors positively impact green purchase intentions in Vietnam. Moreover, the analysis revealed that the attitude variable played a mediating role in this model, whereas the social norms factor did not.

Research limitations/implications

This study presents several valuable findings on the green purchase intentions of young Vietnamese consumers. Therefore, the results can potentially advance and strengthen green purchasing theories in the Vietnamese market. Moreover, the recommendations indicate that cognitive factors and e-social interactions are crucial in shaping green purchasing intentions among Vietnamese consumers. Thus, it is suggested that the firms in the Vietnamese market focus on green marketing based on leveraging these factors.

Originality/value

This work provides a valuable contribution to the knowledge related to cognitive and e-social interactions among young Vietnamese consumers. It demonstrates the significant impact of these elements on green purchase intentions through e-commerce.
Chromosome‐level genome assembly and whole‐genome resequencing of topmouth culter (Culter alburnus) provide insights into the intraspecific variation of its semi‐buoyant and adhesive eggs
Authors: Jiang Haifeng , Qian Yuting , Zhang Zhi , Meng Minghui , Deng Yu , Wang Gaoxue , He Shunping , Yang Liandong
Published: July 2023

Topmouth culter (Culter alburnus) is an ecologically and economically important species belonging to the subfamily Culterinae that is native to and widespread in East Asia. Intraspecific variation of semi‐buoyant and adhesive eggs in topmouth culter provides an ideal opportunity to investigate the genetic mechanisms of spawning habits underlying the adaptive radiation of cyprinids in East Asia. In this study, we present a chromosome‐level genome assembly of topmouth culter and re‐sequenced 158 individuals from six locations in China covering three geographical groups and two egg type variations. The topmouth culter genome size was 1.05 Gb, with a contig N50 length of 17.8 Mb and anchored onto 24 chromosomes. Phylogenetic analysis showed that the divergence time of the Culterinae was coinciding with the time of initiation of the Asian monsoon intensification. Gene family evolutionary analysis indicated that the expanded gene families in topmouth culter were associated with dietary adaptation. Population‐level genetic analysis indicated clear differentiation among the six populations, which were clustered into three distinct clusters, consistent with their geographical divergence. The historical effective population size of topmouth culter correlated with the Tibetan Plateau uplifting according to the demographic history reconstruction. A selective sweep analysis between adhesive and semi‐buoyant egg populations revealed the genes associated with the hydration and adhesiveness of eggs, indicating divergent selection towards different hydrological environments. This study offers a high‐resolution genetic resource for further studies on evolutionary adaptation, genetic breeding and conservation of topmouth culter, providing insights into the molecular mechanisms for egg type variation of East Asian cyprinids.
Mental health consumer perspectives of a person‐centred multidisciplinary care planning meeting on a rehabilitation inpatient unit
Authors: O'Donohue Eliza , Aguey‐Zinsou Melissa , Yule Elisa , Fairhurst Ian , Debaets Marcie
Published: July 2023

Mental health consumers are seeking genuine involvement in the planning regarding their treatment and care; however for many consumers in inpatient mental health settings, there is not the opportunity to participate. Current research evaluating person‐centred multidisciplinary care planning initiatives in inpatient settings from the consumer perspective is limited. The aim of this study was to explore the consumer perspective of a person‐centred multidisciplinary care planning meeting implemented in an Australian inpatient mental health rehabilitation unit. This study used a focused ethnographic design with data collection including fieldnotes, observations of meetings and interviews. Ten individuals participated in the study, with two participating in meeting observations and eight participating in structured interviews. Participants were consumers with a mental health diagnosis admitted to a mental health rehabilitation unit for assistance with achieving their goals for community living. Findings were analysed utilizing thematic analysis. Findings showed that consumers' experiences of the care planning meetings were positive. Themes included; ‘It's about you’, ‘Making decisions and expressing opinions’, ‘Staff involvement in care planning’ and ‘Supporting consumer recovery’. These findings add the consumer perspective to the existing evidence base and support the implementation of person‐centred multidisciplinary care planning meetings in inpatient mental health settings.
Multifaceted training and readiness to respond to family violence: A prospective cohort evaluation
Authors: Withiel Toni Dianne , Sheridan Simone , Rushan Catherine , Fisher Caroline Anne
Published: July 2023

Background

As frontline healthcare workers, there is a growing expectation that nurses should be able to respond to disclosures of family violence. However, the profession and hospital systems have been slow to respond with clear skills, knowledge and confidence deficits identified in existing research. There is limited research which has robustly evaluated the effectiveness of in‐depth, multifaceted training on readiness to respond among nurses.

Aim

To longitudinally evaluate the effectiveness of an in‐depth family violence training intervention on confidence, knowledge and clinical skills of nurses working in a large tertiary adult hospital.

Design

Single‐centre, longitudinal intervention study. Strengthening the Reporting of Observational studies in Epidemiology (STROBE) cross‐sectional guidelines were used.

Methods

One hundred and ten nursing clinicians participated in this study to complete a comprehensive evidence‐based model of healthcare workers response for assisting patients experiencing family violence. A mixed methods survey was used to assess change in knowledge, confidence and clinical skills among participants. Outcome assessment was electronically undertaken at baseline, 6–9 months and 12–15 months following intervention.

Results

Statistically significant improvement was seen in self‐reported knowledge, confidence and frequency of screening for family violence. Relative to baseline estimates, these improvements were identified 6–9 months and 12–15 months following intervention; albeit with consideration to the visually observed trend of skill reversion at follow‐up. Quantitative findings were paralleled by qualitatively identified improvements in the recognition of the intersectional nature of violence, need for patient collaboration in screening and depth in considerations around how family violence is screened for.

Conclusions

Findings provide tentative support for the utility of a multidimensional training approach to improving nurses' readiness to respond to disclosures of family violence.

Relevance to clinical practice

This study provides preliminary support for multidimensional, evidence‐based training to effectively improve nurses' confidence, knowledge and clinical skills required for responding to family violence.

Reporting Method

The study complies with the Strengthening the Reporting of Observational Studies in Epidemiology (SQUIRE) Statement: guidelines for reporting observational studies (see Table S1).

Patient Contribution

Patients were involved in the initial design of the survey tool. This involvement came through the Allied Health Consumer panel and included input on the design and question wording of the survey items.
Mechanisms of HIV-1 integrase resistance to dolutegravir and potent inhibition of drug-resistant variants
Authors: Li Min , Oliveira Passos Dario , Shan Zelin , Smith Steven J. , Sun Qinfang , Biswas Avik , Choudhuri Indrani , Strutzenberg Timothy S. , Haldane Allan , Deng Nanjie , Li Zhaoyang , Zhao Xue Zhi , Briganti Lorenzo , Kvaratskhelia Mamuka , Burke Terrence R. , Levy Ronald M. , Hughes Stephen H. , Craigie Robert , Lyumkis Dmitry
Published: July 2023

HIV-1 infection depends on the integration of viral DNA into host chromatin. Integration is mediated by the viral enzyme integrase and is blocked by integrase strand transfer inhibitors (INSTIs), first-line antiretroviral therapeutics widely used in the clinic. Resistance to even the best INSTIs is a problem, and the mechanisms of resistance are poorly understood. Here, we analyze combinations of the mutations E138K, G140A/S, and Q148H/K/R, which confer resistance to INSTIs. The investigational drug 4d more effectively inhibited the mutants compared with the approved drug Dolutegravir (DTG). We present 11 new cryo-EM structures of drug-resistant HIV-1 intasomes bound to DTG or 4d, with better than 3-Å resolution. These structures, complemented with free energy simulations, virology, and enzymology, explain the mechanisms of DTG resistance involving E138K + G140A/S + Q148H/K/R and show why 4d maintains potency better than DTG. These data establish a foundation for further development of INSTIs that potently inhibit resistant forms in integrase.
POLITICAL LEADER AND ODA: EFFECTS OF THE OVERSEAS PRESIDENTIAL VISIT ON BILATERAL OFFICIAL DEVELOPMENT AID IN SOUTH KOREA
Authors: JUNG HOYONG
Published: July 2023

Overseas presidential visits are an essential diplomatic activity that support official development aid (ODA) for humanitarian and strategic purposes worldwide. This study examines the effects of such visits on bilateral ODA allocation by focusing on South Korea, which achieved economic development through foreign aid, subsequently becoming a donor country. We find that presidential diplomatic visits abroad increase ODA agreements in visiting countries, confirmed through multiple robustness checks. ODA is increased through several aid delivery channels (concessional loans, public institutions and summit meetings in recipient countries) with heterogeneous effects across regions. Thus, political leaders’ diplomatic visits are crucial to ODA allocation.
Yoga Posture Recognition by Learning Spatial-Temporal Feature with Deep Learning Techniques
Authors: Palanimeera J. , Ponmozhi K.
Published: July 2023

Yoga posture recognition remains a difficult issue because of crowded backgrounds, varied settings, occlusions, viewpoint alterations, and camera motions, despite recent promising advances in deep learning. In this paper, the method for accurately detecting various yoga poses using DL (Deep Learning) algorithms is provided. Using a standard RGB camera, six yoga poses — Sukhasana, Kakasana, Naukasana, Dhanurasana, Tadasana, and Vrikshasana — were captured on ten people, five men and five women. In this study, a brand-new DL model is presented for representing the spatio-temporal (ST) variation of skeleton-based yoga poses in movies. It is advised to use a variety of representation learners to pry video-level temporal recordings, which combine spatio-temporal sampling with long-range time mastering to produce a successful and effective training approach. A novel feature extraction method using Open Pose is described, together with a DenceBi-directional LSTM network to represent spatial-temporal links in both the forward and backward directions. This will increase the efficacy and consistency of modeling long-range action detection. To improve temporal pattern modeling capability, they are stacked and combined with dense skip connections. To improve performance, two modalities from look and motion are fused with a fusion module and compared to other deep learning models are LSTMs including LSTM, Bi-LSTM, Res-LSTM, and Res-BiLSTM. Studies on real-time datasets of yoga poses show that the suggested DenseBi-LSTM model performs better and yields better results than state-of-the-art techniques for yoga pose detection.
Normality and associated primes of closed neighborhood ideals and dominating ideals
Authors: Nasernejad Mehrdad , Bandari Somayeh , Roberts Leslie G.
Published: July 2023

In this paper, we first give some sufficient criteria for normality of monomial ideals. As applications, we show that closed neighborhood ideals of complete bipartite graphs are normal, and hence satisfy the (strong) persistence property. We also prove that dominating ideals of complete bipartite graphs are nearly normally torsion-free. In addition, we show that dominating ideals of [Formula: see text]-wheel graphs, under certain condition, are normal.
Tensor product of finite dimensional nilpotent evolution algebras
Authors: Qaralleh Izzat
Published: July 2023

This paper investigates the tensor product of a finite dimensional nilpotent evolution algebra. Some properties that translate from tensor products to factors and vice versa have been investigated, including the index of nilpotency and annihilator. The index of nilpotency of the tensor product of two nilpotent evolution algebras with different indexes of nilpotency is determined. Moreover, we investigate the tensorially decomposable of the 4-dimensional nilpotent evolution algebra. In addition, the decomposable nilpotent evolution algebra with the maximal index of nilpotency has been carried out.
Scuba diving after a heart transplant: excessive daring or calculable risk?
Authors: Schmidt Thomas , Reiss Nils , Olbrich Erk , Chalabi Khaled , Hagedorn Thorsten , Tetzlaff Kay
Published: July 2023

Example for shared decision-making process for tricky questions: First scientific publication about heart transplantation (HTX)-recipient restarting scuba diving. As exercise physiology after HTX combined with specific diving medicine aspects is challenging, we formed a multidisciplinary team to identify, evaluate, and mitigate the risks involved. The results show that today, with the appropriate physical condition and compliance with safety measures, a wide range of activities are possible again after HTX.
Prognostic Value of the Anatomic-Physiologic Classification in Adults With Congenital Heart Disease
Authors: Egbe Alexander C. , Miranda William R. , Jain C. Charles , Anderson Jason H. , Younis Ahmed , Abozied Omar , Connolly Heidi M.
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND:

The prognostic role of the congenital heart disease (CHD) anatomic/physiologic classification has not been systematically studied. The purpose of this study was to determine whether CHD physiologic stage provided improvement in prognostic power (to predict all-cause mortality) beyond conventional clinical risk models.

METHODS:

Retrospective study of adults with CHD at the Mayo Clinic (2003–2019). The CHD physiologic stage was assessed at baseline and 36 (24–48) months, and patients were classified into stages A to D at these time points. Clinical stability (remaining in the same stage), clinical improvement (moving to less advanced stage), and clinical deterioration (moving to more advanced stage) were determined at 36 months. We defined conventional clinical risk indices as age/sex, functional class, comorbidities, cardiac procedures, hepatorenal dysfunction, and ventricular/valvular dysfunction.

RESULTS:

Of 5321 patients, 1649 (31%), 1968 (37%), 1224 (23%), and 480 (9%) were in stages A, B, C, and D at baseline. Of 5321 patients, 4588 (86%) also had assessments at 36 months, and of these patients, 3347 (73%), 386 (8%), and 855 (19%) had clinical stability, deterioration, and improvement, respectively. Patients with clinical improvement were more likely to have undergone cardiac procedures between both assessments. Both baseline CHD physiologic stage (hazard ratio, 1.13 [95% CI, 1.09–1.17];
P
<0.001, per unit increase in stage) and change in CHD physiologic stage (hazard ratio, 1.46 [95% CI, 1.32–1.61];
P
=0.007, per unit increase in stage) were associated with mortality after adjustments for conventional risk indices and provided incremental improvement in prognostic power beyond conventional clinical risk models as evidence by an increase in C statistic from 0.702 (0.681–0.724) to 0.769 (0.754–0.787).

CONCLUSIONS:

The CHD physiologic stage can potentially be used for risk stratification, as well as to monitor disease progression and response to therapy.
Clinical characteristics of 1124 children with epiphyseal fractures
Authors: Deng Hansheng , Zhao Zhenhui , Xiong Zhu , Gao Futang , Tang Shengping , Li Yuanheng , Li Weiqing , Huang Jihuang , Cui Shuting , Chen Xiaodi , Zeng Shuaidan , Tang Gen , Sechi Leonardo Antonio , Caggiari Gianfilippo , Doria Carlo , Qiu Xin
Published: July 2023

Background

In this study, to provide a theoretical basis for understanding the clinical characteristics of epiphyseal fractures in children and improving their management, we explored and analyzed the proportions of different types of epiphyseal fractures in children and evaluated the causes of injury and epidemiological characteristics.

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed children younger than 18 years with fresh epiphyseal fractures who were admitted to our hospital from July 2015 to February 2020. Demographic information, injury mechanisms, fracture characteristics, fracture classification and surgical information were collected.

Results

A total of 1124 pediatric patients (1147 epiphyseal fractures), including 789 boys and 335 girls, were included in this study. Epiphyseal fractures were classified as Salter-Harris type II (1002 cases), type IV (105 cases), type III (25 cases), Salter-Harris type I (14 cases), and Salter-Harris type V (1 case). The number of fracture sites peaked in the adolescent group (440 cases). The most three common sites of epiphyseal fractures were the distal radius (460 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (454 cases) and Salter-Harris type I (3 cases), Salter-Harris type IV (2 cases), Salter-Harris type III was the least common (1 case). Followed by phalanges of fingers (233 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (224 cases) and Salter-Harris type IV (4 cases), Salter-Harris type I (3 cases), Salter-Harris type III fractures were the least common (2 cases). Distal humerus (146 cases) in which Salter-Harris type II fractures were the most common (95 cases), followed by Salter-Harris type IV (49 cases), Salter-Harris type I fractures were the least common (2 cases). The most three important causes of fractures were falls (720 patients), car accident injuries (68 patients), and basketball falls (43 patients). Among the 1124 children with epiphyseal fractures, 1058 were treated mainly by surgery and the ratio of open and closed reduction was 1:5.3. Eighty-eight patients showed an interval > 72 h between the injury and the hospital visit. Among these 88 patients, the most common fracture type was distal radial epiphyseal fracture (32 cases), and all fractures were of Salter-Harris type II.

Conclusions

The epidemiological characteristics of epiphyseal fractures in children indicate the need to strengthen health and safety education and protective measures to prevent the occurrence of these fractures in children. In addition, emergency surgeons and orthopedic surgeons in general hospitals should strengthen their basic knowledge of diagnosing and treating epiphyseal injuries in children to reduce missed diagnoses, misdiagnoses or malpractice.
Hepatocellular carcinoma cells remodel the pro-metastatic tumour microenvironment through recruitment and activation of fibroblasts via paracrine Egfl7 signaling
Authors: Sun Bo , Lei Xiong , Cao Momo , Li Yiming , Yang Lian-Yue
Published: July 2023

Background

The tumour microenvironment consists of a complex and dynamic milieu of cancer cells, including tumour-associated stromal cells (leukocytes, fibroblasts, vascular cells, etc.) and their extracellular products. During invasion and metastasis, cancer cells actively remodel the tumour microenvironment and alterations of microenvironment, particularly cancer-associated fibroblasts (CAFs), can promote tumour progression. However, the underlying mechanisms of the CAF formation and their metastasis-promoting functions remain unclear.

Methods

Primary liver fibroblasts and CAFs were isolated and characterized. CAFs in clinical samples were identified by immunohistochemical staining and the clinical significance of CAFs was also analysed in two independent cohorts. A transwell coculture system was used to confirm the role of HCC cells in CAF recruitment and activation. qRT-PCR, western blotting and ELISA were used to screen paracrine cytokines. The role and mechanism of Egfl7 in CAFs were explored via an in vitro coculture system and an in vivo mouse orthotopic transplantation model.

Results

We showed that CAFs in hepatocellular carcinoma (HCC) are characterized by the expression of α-SMA and that HCC cells can recruit liver fibroblasts (LFs) and activate them to promote their transformation into CAFs. High α-SMA expression, indicating high CAF infiltration, was correlated with malignant characteristics. It was also an independent risk factor for HCC survival and could predict a poor prognosis in HCC patients. Then, we demonstrated that EGF-like domain multiple 7 (Egfl7) was preferentially secreted by HCC cells, and exhibited high potential to recruit and activate LFs into the CAF phenotype. The ability of Egfl7 to modulate LFs relies upon increased phosphorylation of FAK and AKT via the receptor ανβ3 integrin. Strikingly, CAFs activated by paracrine Egfl7 could further remodel the tumour microenvironment by depositing fibrils and collagen and in turn facilitate HCC cell proliferation, invasion and metastasis.

Conclusion

Our data highlighted a novel role of Egfl7 in remodelling the tumour microenvironment: it recruits LFs and activates them to promote their transformation into CAFs via the ανβ3 integrin signaling pathway, which further promotes HCC progression and contributes to poor clinical outcomes in HCC patients.
Propensity matched analysis examining the effect of passive reversal of direct oral anticoagulants on blood loss and the need for transfusions among traumatic geriatric hip fractures
Authors: Meinig Richard , Jarvis Stephanie , Salottolo Kristin , Nwafo Nnamdi , McNair Patrick , Harrison Paul , Morgan Steven , Duane Therese , Woods Bradley , Nentwig Michelle , Kelly Michael , Cornutt David , Bar-Or David
Published: July 2023

Background

Reversal of direct oral anticoagulants (DOACs) is currently recommended prior to emergent surgery, such as surgical intervention for traumatic geriatric hip fractures. However, reversal methods are expensive and timely, often delaying surgical intervention, which is a predictor of outcomes. The study objective was to examine the effect of DOAC reversal on blood loss and transfusions among geriatric patients with hip fractures.

Methods

This retrospective propensity-matched study across six level I trauma centers included geriatric patients on DOACs with isolated fragility hip fractures requiring surgical intervention (2014–2017). Outcomes included: intraoperative blood loss, intraoperative pRBCs, and hospital length of stay (HLOS).

Results

After matching there were 62 patients (31 reversed, 31 not reversed), 29 patients were not matched. The only reversal method utilized was passive reversal (waiting ≥ 24 hours for elimination). Passively reversed patients had a longer time to surgery (mean, 43 vs. 18 hours, p < 0.01). Most patients (92%) had blood loss (90% passively reversed, 94% not reversed); the median volume of blood loss was 100 mL for both those groups, p = 0.97. Thirteen percent had pRBCs transfused (13% passively reversed and 13% not reversed); the median volume of pRBCs transfused was 525 mL for those passively reversed and 314 mL for those not reversed, p = 0.52. The mean HLOS was significantly longer for those passively reversed (7 vs. 5 days, p = 0.001).

Conclusions

Passive DOAC reversal for geriatric patients with isolated hip fracture requiring surgery may be contributing to delayed surgery and an increased HLOS without having a significant effect on blood loss or transfusions. These data suggest that passive DOAC reversal may not be necessary prior to surgical repair of isolated hip fracture.
Bioconversion of olive oil pomace by black soldier fly increases eco-efficiency in solid waste stream reduction producing tailored value-added insect meals
Authors: Ameixa Olga M. C. C. , Pinho Marisa , Domingues M. Rosário , Lillebø Ana I.
Published: July 2023

Olive oil is one of the most important agricultural products in Mediterranean areas, and currently the European Union is the largest producer. Due to technological innovations, Portugal has become one of the main olive oil producing countries over the last few years, accompanied by large amounts of olive oil pomace (OOP), the most representative residue of the olive oil extraction process. This is causing serious waste management problems since current management solutions also present environmental impacts. Here we explored the black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens) potential to biotransform OOP into valuable insect meals by feeding them OOP-based diets as substrates. Results show that despite survival rates not being affected by higher replacement (75% and 50%) levels of OOP, there was an increase in larval instar duration. Substrate reduction was significantly lower for higher replacement levels but was not affected up to the 50% replacement level. Feed conversion rate differed among all the treatments, increasing as the replacement level increased, while bioconversion rate, which also differed among all the treatments, decreased as replacement level increased. Differences in larval protein content were only seen at higher replacement levels (75%), with an increase in protein content for replacements of up to 25%. One of the most striking results was the change in fatty acid profile, which became more abundant in monounsaturated fatty acids (mostly oleic acid) as the olive pomace replacement levels increased in comparison with the control substrate, rich in saturated fatty acids (palmitic acid). These results show that BSF can be an effective OOP bioconversion agent, and resulting insect meals can be used as alternatives to currently available saturated fatty acid insect meals.
The influence of natural aromatic compounds on the development of Lycopersicon esculentum plantlets
Authors: Bălaş Anca , Popa Valentin I.
Published: July 2023

The influences of flax lignin and phenolic compounds obtained from spruce bark on the development of Lycopersicon esculentum plantlets were evaluated. Depending on the applied treatment and the concentrations used, the natural aromatic compounds had stimulatory effects on the germination capacity and the plantlets height and leaf area. The influence of lignin on Lycopersicon esculentum was lower compared to the phenolic extract.
The effect of chemically coated nanofiber reinforcement on biopolymer based nanocomposites
Authors: Wang Bei , Sain Mohini
Published: July 2023

The aim of this work was to explore how various surface treatments would change the dispersion component of surface energy and acid-base character of hemp nanofibers, using inverse gas chromatography (IGC), and to investigate the effect of the incorporation of these modified nanofibers into a biopolymer matrix on the properties of their nano-composites. Bio-nanocomposite materials were prepared from poly (lactic acid) (PLA) and polyhydroxybutyrate (PHB) as the matrix, and the cellulose nanofibers extracted from hemp fiber by chemo-mechanical treatments. Cellulose fibrils have a high density of –OH groups on the surface, which have a tendency to form hydrogen bonds with adjacent fibrils, reducing interaction with the surrounding matrix. It is necessary to reduce the entanglement of the fibrils and improve their dispersion in the matrix by surface modification of fibers without deteriorating their reinforcing capability. The IGC results indicated that styrene maleic anhydride coated and ethylene-acrylic acid coated fibers improved their potential to interact with both acidic and basic resins. From transmission electron microscopy (TEM), it was shown that the nanofibers were partially dispersed in the polymer matrix. The mechanical properties of the nanocomposites were lower than those predicted by theoretical calculations for both nanofiber-reinforced biopolymers.
Early Peanut Introduction Awareness, Beliefs, and Practices Among Parents and Caregivers
Authors: Samady Waheeda , Warren Christopher , Bilaver Lucy A. , Zaslavsky Justin , Jiang Jialing , Gupta Ruchi
Published: July 2023

BACKGROUND AND OBJECTIVES

The 2017 Prevention of Peanut Allergy Guidelines recommend incorporating peanut protein into infants’ diets to prevent peanut allergy. The goal of this study was to explore US caregivers’ awareness, beliefs, practices, and outcomes around peanut introduction.

METHODS

A parent-report survey was administered between January and February 2021 to a population-based sample of 3062 US parents/caregivers of a child between age 7 months and 3.5 years. The survey evaluated awareness, beliefs, feeding practices, primary care provider (PCP) interactions, and food reactions.

RESULTS

Overall, 13.3% of parents/caregivers reported Prevention of Peanut Allergy Guidelines awareness. Caregivers who reported being white, 30 to 44 years of age, educated, high income, or cared for a child with food allergy or eczema were more likely to be guideline-aware (P < .001). Among US parents/caregivers, 47.7% believed that feeding peanuts early prevented peanut allergy; 17.2% first offered peanut-containing foods before age 7 months and 41.8% did so between ages 7 and 12 months. Peanut introduction occurred earlier among guideline-aware parents/caregivers: 31% offered it before 7 months (P < .001). Overall, 57.8% of parents/caregivers reported discussing peanut introduction with their PCP. PCP counseling was the most common facilitator for peanut introduction before 7 months (odds ratio 16.26 [9.49–27.85]), whereas fear of reactions was the most common reason for delaying peanut introduction beyond 7 months (32.5%). Actual reactions during peanut introduction were reported by 1.4%.

CONCLUSIONS

Early peanut feeding practices are gaining traction among US parents/caregivers; however, disparities exist. Future efforts to increase guideline adherence need to address disparities, provide support for medical providers, and educate about the true incidence of reactions.
Second order cyclic analysis of counter flow pulse tube refrigerator
Authors: CHOUDHARI Mahmadrafik , GAWALI Bajirao , MALWE Prateek , DESHMUKH Nandkishor , DHALAIT Rustum
Published: July 2023

Stirling machines are ecologically propitious refrigeration devices that utilize natural gases like helium, nitrogen, or air. Stirling machines are active refrigerators that should be designed with minimal vibrations and durability in order to fulfil current and future commercial de-mands and requirements. The present paper deals with the modification of the inertance pulse tube refrigerator in which the reservoir is eliminated and replaced with another pulse tube refrigerator. These two pulse tube refrigerators are operated at 180 degrees out of phase, called counter-flow pulse tube refrigerators (CFPTR). The second-order cyclic analysis approach is used to develop a mathematical model for evaluating the performance of CFPTR. This paper describes a modified second-order cyclic approach in detail. The performance of CFPTR is evaluated by estimating the ideal refrigerating effect, ideal power input, and losses individual-ly, yielding net power input and net refrigerating effect. The net refrigerating effect of 30.88W at 70K is obtained with the percentage of Carnot COP of 13.71. The CFD modeling of CFPTR is used to corroborate the second order cyclic model.
Designing a Public API-Based Order Delivery Service System for the Food and Beverage Industry
Authors: Muhamad Wardani , Nugroho Heru , Widaningsih Sri , Hendriyanto Robbi
Published: July 2023

The food and beverage (F&B) industry aims to satisfy customers' needs by providing food and beverages while continuously developing creative and innovative steps to stay competitive. However, the COVID-19 pandemic has had a detrimental impact on the industry's survival, with a reduction of more than one-third of their daily income. One reason for this decline is the decreased interest of customers to dine in restaurants. To mitigate further losses, the F&B industry must innovate its services to meet the needs of customers who prefer to enjoy food at home or work. Delivery service is a critical aspect that must be developed, and adopting the appropriate information technology (IT) for service delivery automation can provide an economical solution and added value to the F&B industry. This study proposes using public APIs to support and enhance the F&B industry's delivery service system. Specifically, the WhatsApp API is selected to automatically notify drivers to process deliveries. This paper presents the design of a public API-based order delivery service system for the F&B industry that can be integrated with existing systems.
The losing streak of Employee Capital Plans in the pension fund market
Authors: Koćwin Julitta
Published: July 2023

The purpose of the article was to present the basic reasons for the lack of interest in the government pension scheme — the Employee Capital Plans, and to draw attention to the question of its profitability for future pensioners. The article sought to answer the question of what is the public’s familiarity with the assumptions of this program and why is there so little interest in participating in it. To this end, attention was paid to the main obstacles undermining confidence in this program.
TOWARDS A KAUPAPA MĀORI FITNESS GYM. A Bourdieusian analysis
Authors: Karaka Darcy , Jackson Anne-Marie , Hakopa Hauiti
Published: July 2023

The fitness gym is an avenue where people pursue their health and well-being aspirations. In Aotearoa New Zealand, Māori have similar rates of physical activity to non-Māori; however, it is unclear how many Māori access the fitness gym. At the time of undertaking the research reported in this article, the lead author was a health advisor at a fitness gym within a Māori health provider whilst completing his Master of Physical Education. He was interested in examining whether a Kaupapa Māori gym was possible. This gave rise to a research project framed by a Kaupapa Māori theory that utilised Bourdieu’s (1986/2011) theory of capital to examine the relationship between Māori health, capital accumulation and the fitness gym. There is little known about the value of fitness gyms for Māori, and whether Māori values and principles can be integrated within the fitness gym. The research methods utilised were individual interviews, an individualised personal training session and a questionnaire. There were 23 Māori participants, who were recruited within Dunedin during August 2015. The main finding of this part of the research was that capital accumulation through all Bourdieu’s types of capital (economic, social, symbolic, bodily and cultural) was identified and enhanced through interpreting the participants’ feedback and experiences, with Kaupapa Māori theory providing the foundational methodological support for enhancing Māori voices and aspirations for individual and collective hauora throughout the research process.
Some are Empty Shells without Groundnuts
Authors: Venganai Hellen , Dube Charles
Published: July 2023

In view of the low levels of women’s representation in political office in Zimbabwe after the 2018 elections, questions arise regarding whether young people can, or will support female candidates in future elections. The youth is seen as a critical group that may shape the future of politics in Zimbabwe. We conducted a qualitative study to explore the views young people have of female political candidates, through focus group discussions and in-depth interviews with participants aged between 19 and 24 in the city of Masvingo. Drawing on social constructionism, poststructuralist feminism, and intersectionality analyses, the study found that young people in urban Masvingo have a predominantly negative perception of female candidates, although this is mediated by factors such as gender, class, sexuality, disability, and education. Nonetheless, some of the youth in Masvingo appear to be redefining or countering gendered societal norms and values, as they appear to accept women as political candidates.