bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
The genomic outcomes of hybridization vary over time within a monkeyflower radiation
Authors: Short Aidan W , Streisfeld Matthew A
Published: August 2024

The accumulation of genetic differences through time can lead to reproductive isolation between populations and the origin of new species. However, hybridization between emerging species can occur at any point before isolation is complete. The evolutionary consequences of this hybridization may vary depending on when it occurred. If hybridization occurred later during the process, when ecological and genetic differences have accumulated between diverging lineages, low hybrid fitness can result in selection against gene flow. If hybridization occurred earlier, when barriers present were too weak to limit introgression, then hybridization can lead to genetic swamping. Alternatively, adaptive introgression can occur at any point during speciation. Thus, by understanding the history and genomic consequences of hybridization at different points along the speciation continuum, we can begin to understand how variation present within populations translates to divergence between species. Here, we identified the genomic signals of introgressive hybridization at different points during the divergence of two monkeyflower taxa endemic to the Channel Islands of California. We found that both ancient and recent introgression have shaped their genomes, but the impacts of selection on this foreign material varied. There was no signal of selection against ancient introgression, but we did find strong evidence for selection against recent introgression, potentially because there are more reproductive barriers in place now, reducing fitness in recent hybrids. Thus, this study reveals that hybridization can occur at multiple points throughout the divergence history of a radiation, but the processes shaping genome wide levels of introgression can change over time.
The bandwagon effect of organizational injustice in private hospital performance: a moderated-mediation model
Authors: Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Shaukat Hira , Selem Kareem M.
Published: August 2024

Purpose

Drawing on conservation of resources (COR) theory, this paper aims to explore the effect of perceived organizational injustice (POI) on organizational performance (OPE) indirectly through knowledge hiding (KH). Moreover, this paper examines the boundary effects of perceived organizational politics (POP) and moral disengagement (MDS).

Design/methodology/approach

We employed a time-lag approach to collect data from 244 employees in Pakistani private hospitals. SmartPLS v. 4.4 was run to check the outer model. For testing the moderated-mediation model as an inner model, PROCESS v.4 was applied.

Findings

POI negatively and indirectly influenced OPE through KH, whereas high levels of POP and MDS may result in a stronger POI–KH linkage.

Originality/value

This paper adds to the literature related to COR that has been utilized to explain employee behaviors in the hospital context, where the antecedents of OPE were primarily the subject of empirical investigation.
Female board gender diversity and financing decisions of listed firms: nonlinear threshold evidence using simultaneous equation modeling
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to examine the nonlinear threshold effect of female board gender diversity (FBGD) on debt financing (DF) and equity financing (EF) decisions arguing that the effect of FBGD varies/changes depending on the numerical strength of the women on the board.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses seemingly unrelated simultaneous panel equation modeling of 19 listed firms on the Ghana Stock Exchange (GSE) between 2010 and 2021. Although natural logs of equity and debts are used to proxy financing decisions, FBGD is measured as a percentage of total female board members to total board members.

Findings

This study reveals a nonlinear inverted U-shape effect of FBGD on EF and DF options. Although this result implies that the positive effects transit to negative effects when FBGD reaches numerical thresholds 34.20% and 35.11%, respectively, it also suggests that the risk averse nature of women on EF and DF usage becomes more visible and intense when the percentage of women on board increases above the mentioned thresholds, respectively. Clearly, the effect gender diversity on DF and EF depends on the numerical strength of the women on a board.

Practical implications

These results suggest that corporate entities and managers must be careful in the formation and implementation of gender diversity policies as gender diversity policies can influence/change debt and EF decisions. In addition, the thresholds show that a smaller number of women on board is required to lower EF compared to debt and this highlights risk-aversion nature women toward riskier financing decision. Also, the nonlinear inverted U-shape nexus from FBGD to EF and DF confirms the inverted U curve theory implying that the numerical strength of females on boards is critical for financing decisions.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the “gender diversity-financing decision” literature by simultaneously conceptualizing and modellng debt and EF structures and providing an emerging economy perspective on how gender diversity nonlinearly affects financing decisions.
Does psychological empowerment mediate the HPWS-AFFECTIVE commitment relationship?
Authors: Beltrán-Martín Inmaculada , Bou-Llusar Juan Carlos , García-Juan Beatriz , Salvador-Gomez Alejandro
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to bring new insights into the underexplored mediating role of psychological empowerment (PE) in the link between high-performance work systems (HPWS) and employees’ affective commitment. Furthermore, given the distinct behaviour that the different dimensions of PE have shown in previous studies, we have followed the call for more empirical research in this field by considering such specific dimensions. Thus, the present paper examines, from a multilevel perspective, the extent to which Spreitzer’s (1995) employee PE dimensions (meaning, competence, self-determination and impact) mediate the relationship between HPWS and employee affective commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

A multilevel approach, with matched data from HR managers and a sample of 504 core employees in 142 Spanish firms, is used to test the hypotheses through structural equation modelling methodology.

Findings

We corroborate that three of the dimensions of employee PE (meaning, self-determination and impact) mediate the relationship between HPWS and employee AC.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the existing literature by elucidating the importance of generating motivating feelings in employees as a way of promoting affective reactions in organisations. More specifically, it highlights the usefulness of examining and boosting different segments of the psychological empowerment construct when seeking committed employees.
Envisaging Indian farmers' desires from agricultural index insurance integrating rank sum weighting method and MoSCoW technique: an approach to requirements prioritization
Authors: Singh Pankaj , Kushwaha Ruchi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The goal of this study is to predict the farmers’ concerns about agricultural index-insurance (AII) for weather risk mitigation of horticultural crops in hilly regions. The key impetus of analysis is to prioritize the AII requirements based on the farmers’ perspectives using the requirements prioritization approach.

Design/methodology/approach

The integrated approach has been applied in this paper. Initially, the MoSCoW prioritization technique has been employed to prioritize the AII attributes utilizing a four-dimensional agriculture insurance scale. Later, the rank sum weighting method was deployed to assign the ultimate rank to AII attributes based on the farmers’ responses.

Findings

Findings specified that out of 15 AII attributes, majority of 11 attributes were placed in “must have” and “should have” categories that related to claim, design, premium and grievance management dimensions. However, three AII attributes are placed in the “could have” category. Additionally, findings of rank-sum weighting method-based ranking can help insurers in redesigning farmers-oriented AII services for risk mitigation of horticulture crops by incorporating these ranks as per their priority level.

Research limitations/implications

The prioritized AII attributes are helpful for insurers and managers in order to solve the problems associated with design, premium, claim and grievance management of AII.

Social implications

Findings deliver significant insights to insurers to incorporate the prioritized AII attributes ranked by farmers.

Originality/value

This is the initial known analysis that integrated the MoSCoW and rank sum weighting method to prioritize the AII requirements prioritization among Indian farmers.
A preliminary exploration of using the power threat meaning framework with individuals currently serving IPP sentences in custody
Authors: Mulligan Kelly , Nash Emily
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study aims to explore the potential impact of applying the Power Threat Meaning Framework (PTMF), to develop a collaborative formulation with those serving Indeterminate Sentences for Public Protection (IPP), where there have been serious concerns with sentence progression.

Design/methodology/approach

Given little research has focused on the utility of the PTMF with this cohort, a case study approach was adopted. Participants developed a formulation, discussing their experience of serving an IPP sentence with the opportunity to share their formulation with supervising professionals. Notes were recorded including: participants’ comments, researcher’s observations and professionals’ feedback. The data was analysed using thematic analysis.

Findings

Four themes were developed: “Insight”, “Working alliance”, “Gives ‘power’ back” and “Motivation”, including some sub-themes. These findings provide some support for the use of the PTMF with this cohort.

Practical implications

The small number of participants mean the findings cannot be generalised to the wider IPP cohort. This study indicates that using a PTMF formulation approach to discuss the impact of the IPP sentence, in a manner that mitigates the power imbalance between professionals and prisoners, has the potential to improve engagement and working alliance.

Originality/value

The current study sought to add to the limited literature focusing on the use of the PTMF with unreleased IPPs on a one-to-one basis. The findings act as a foundation for future research exploring the use of the PTMF more widely within custodial settings.
Humanizing GenAI at work: bridging the gap between technological innovation and employee engagement
Authors: Manresa Alba , Sammour Ammar , Mas-Machuca Marta , Chen Weifeng , Botchie David
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper seeks to explore the influence of generative artificial intelligence (GenAI) on employee performance in the workplace, viewed from a managerial perspective. It concentrates on key elements such as employee engagement, trust in GenAI and attitudes toward its implementation. This exploration is motivated by the ongoing evolution of GenAI, which presents managers with the crucial task of understanding and integrating this technology into their strategic frameworks.

Design/methodology/approach

We collected 251 responses from managers and senior managers representing companies that have embraced GenAI in Spain. A hierarchical regression analysis was employed to examine the hypotheses. Subsequently, mediating effects and moderated mediation effects were scrutinized using the bias-corrected bootstrapping method.

Findings

The data analysis suggests a significant enhancement in employee engagement and performance from a managerial perspective, attributed to improved attitudes and trust toward the adoption of GenAI. This conclusion is drawn from our research conducted with samples collected in Spain. Notably, our findings indicate that while positive attitudes toward GenAI correlate with enhanced engagement and performance, there exists a weakening effect on the significant positive impact of GenAI adoption in the workplace. This suggests that GenAI is still in its early stages of adoption within these companies, necessitating additional time for managers to develop greater confidence in its efficacy.

Originality/value

This study represents one of the pioneering investigations centered on the implementation of GenAI within the workplace context. It contributes significantly to the existing body of literature concerning the stimulus-organism-response (S-O-R) model in technology innovation adoption within work environments.
Towards a wellbeing economy: reflections on wellbeing budgeting in New Zealand and Australia
Authors: Moll Jodie , Ang Soon Yong , Kuruppu Chamara , Adhikari Pawan
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This paper examines the Australian and New Zealand government’s wellbeing budget reforms.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper describes the development of wellbeing budgeting in Australia and New Zealand based on an analysis of official websites, documents and media sources.

Findings

Both governments have experienced challenges identifying measures representing different areas of wellbeing and recognising the connections between the measures applied. They have found it difficult to access reliable data. The development of wellbeing budgeting also raises questions about participation, data reporting, and presentation, which can impact its efficacy.

Research limitations/implications

The paper outlines practical challenges governments face in creating and using wellbeing budgets. It proposes a future research agenda to deepen our understanding of these issues and their social and economic implications. The scope of the study is limited to publicly available documents.

Originality/value

This is one of the few studies investigating wellbeing budgeting, which has evolved as an important tool for public governance. Therefore, the study’s findings may draw substantial interest and attention from practitioners, researchers and government policymakers wanting to integrate these reforms into their governance machinery.
The dark side of gamification: an experimental study on digital fitness apps
Authors: Bai Zhijian , Xu Cheng , Ailikamujiang Aimaitijiang , Sun Yanqi
Published: August 2024

Purpose

This study, anchored in Self-Determination Theory, explores the paradoxical effects of gamification on digital health promotion, focusing on user engagement, physical activity adherence, stress levels and social dynamics.

Design/methodology/approach

In a preregistered experimental design, participants interacted with one of three fitness apps: a non-gamified control app, a competition-based gamified app (GameFit) or a self-exploration-based gamified app (ExploreFit). Quantitative data were collected through scales measuring key variables, and qualitative insights were gathered from structured diaries.

Findings

Gamification significantly enhanced user engagement and physical activity adherence. However, competition-based gamification also increased stress and negative social dynamics, with gender-specific effects: females experienced higher stress and males encountered more negative social dynamics. These adverse effects were mitigated in the ExploreFit group, suggesting that self-exploration elements in gamification can reduce negative outcomes.

Originality/value

This research offers a comprehensive analysis of the complex interplay between gamification, competition, self-exploration and health outcomes. It provides valuable insights for the design of persuasive technologies, highlighting the need for a balanced approach to gamification that considers both its benefits and potential pitfalls.
Modelling the significance of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial education for determining entrepreneurial intentions in university students: a structural equation modelling approach
Authors: Nasri Wadie
Published: August 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to explore the role of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial education on students’ intention to become entrepreneurs through the theory of planned behaviour and the mediating effect of subjective norms on the relationship between entrepreneurial education and students’ entrepreneurial intentions.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 257 students in the Higher Institute of Management at Gabès University participated in this study by means of a questionnaire. The hypotheses were tested using structural equation modeling.

Findings

Subjective norm was found to be the strongest predictor of student’s entrepreneurial intentions followed by entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurial education. Moreover, the findings revealed that the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intentions was mediated by subjective norm.

Practical implications

It is expected that the findings of this study can help policy makers, researchers and academicians in better understanding the intentions of nascent entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

This study is one of the few studies that have empirically tested the indirect effects of entrepreneurial skills and entrepreneurship education on students’ entrepreneurial intentions using the theory of planned behaviour in developing countries, particularly in Arab countries. The results suggest that subjective norms mediate the relationship between entrepreneurial education and entrepreneurial intentions of students. It is an unexplored issue to date, and helps to understand how and why entrepreneurial intentions emerge.
The triple helix of environmental prosperity: Economic policy uncertainty, financial expansion, and green energy in a financially flourishing bloc
Authors: Naeem Fazale , Deng Yuping , Naveed Muhammad
Published: August 2024

Ecological impairments are considered one of the most contentious and uncertain subjects in intercontinental mediums, and they are also considered a significant apprehension for the entire world. Therefore, environmentalists and policymakers have turned their deliberation from conventional economic expansion to green economic growth. Even though existing studies have deliberated numerous determinants of environmental degradation, financial development, economic policy uncertainty, globalization, and renewable energy influence on ecological footprint is comparatively unexplored simultaneously, especially in financially developed economies. Hence, the present study explored the impact of financial development, economic policy uncertainty, globalization, and renewable energy on ecological footprint from 1995 to 2021. After confirming the issue of potential cross‐sectional dependency, this study employs a second‐generation econometric procedure to estimate robust and consistent estimates. The estimated results from augmented mean group (AMG) and common correlated effect mean group (CCEMG) estimators explored that financial development and renewable energy significantly protect the environment. Conversely, globalization and economic policy uncertainty increase the overall level of ecological footprint in the region. Based on these estimated results, the present research suggests some feasible policy insinuations for accomplishing targets of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG‐7 and SDG‐13).
Human efferent ductules and epididymis display unique cell lineages with motile and primary cilia
Authors: Vinay Ludovic , Hess Rex A. , Belleannée Clémence
Published: August 2024

Background

Previous research has illustrated the role of cilia as mechanical and sensory antennae in various organs within the mammalian male reproductive system across different developmental stages. Despite their significance in both organ development and homeostasis, primary cilia in the human male reproductive excurrent duct have been overlooked due to limited access to human specimens.

Objective

This study aimed to characterize the unique cellular composition of human efferent and epididymal ducts, with a focus on their association with primary cilia.

Materials and Methods

Human efferent ductules/epididymides from five donors aged 32–47 years, were obtained through our local organ transplant program. Cell lineage specificity and primary cilia features were examined by immunofluorescent staining and confocal microscopy in the efferent ductules and the distinct segments of the epididymis.

Results

The epithelium of the human efferent duct exhibited estrogen receptor‐positive cells with primary cilia, FoxJ1‐positive multiciliated cells with numerous motile cilia, and non‐ciliated intraepithelial immune cells. Notably, intraluminal macrophages, identified by CD163/CD68 positivity, were observed to engage in sperm phagocytosis. In all three segments of the human epididymis, primary cilia were found on the surface of principal and basal cells.

Discussion and Conclusions

Our research indicates that the human efferent ductules create a distinct environment, characterized by the presence of two types of ciliated cells that are in contact with immune cells. The discovery of sensory primary cilia exposed on the surface of reabsorptive cells in the efferent ductules, as well as on basal and principal cells in the epididymis, lays the foundation for complementary functional studies. This research uncovers novel characteristics exclusive to human efferent ductules and epididymides, providing a basis for exploring innovative approaches to male contraception and infertility treatment.
Expression profiles and functional analysis of transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) in photoaged human dermal fibroblasts
Authors: Yao Amin , Zhang Yu , Ouyang Mengting , Wen Lei , Lai Wei
Published: August 2024

Transfer RNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) refer to a newly established family of non‐coding RNAs that regulate a diverse set of biological processes. However, the function of tsRNAs in skin photoaging remains unclear. This research aims to investigate the potential correlation between tsRNAs and skin photoaging. Human dermal fibroblasts (HDFs) were irradiated with UVA at 10 J/cm2 once a day lasting for 14 days, resulting in the establishment of a photoaging model induced by UVA. To identify the expression profiles and functions of tsRNAs, tsRNA sequencing and bioinformatics analysis were conducted. qPCR was employed to validate the results of differentially expressed (DE) tsRNAs. A total of 34 tsRNAs exhibited significant differential expression between the UVA and control groups (n = 3), with nine upregulated and 25 downregulated (log2 fold change >1.5, p‐value <0.05). Six tsRNAs were selected at random and validated by qRT‐PCR. The enrichment analysis of DE tsRNAs target genes indicated that the dysregulated tsRNAs appeared to be connected with cell cycle, DNA replication and the AGE‐RAGE signaling pathway. The expression of tsRNAs was found to be aberrant in UVA‐HDF. These findings provide insights into the UVA‐induced damage and potential target genes for skin photoaging.
Revisiting the Discussion on the Effectiveness of Alternative Portfolio Models: Out-of-sample Analysis of Brazil’s Equity Market, 2015-23
Authors: Da Fonseca Vitor M. A. , Da Fonseca Manuel A. R. , Oliveira Andre B.
Published: August 2024

Around the world, equity markets draw the attention of investors and financial researchers, who share a common interest in searching for relatively more efficient portfolio strategies. Although numerous new allocation techniques have been proposed, the available literature still give emphasis to more traditional analytical systems. Accordingly, in this research, a large sample, with many stocks and long data series, is applied to the comparative analysis of widely used portfolio models trough results based on out-of-sample data. We also carry out a statistical evaluation of the sample distributions of returns in order to assess if the available data are consistent with the commonly accepted hypothesis that the effects of estimation risk are present in solutions based on the mean-variance model. The results obtained, contrary to many critical evaluations, highlight the superiority of portfolios derived from optimal allocation models over strategies based on market index and equal weights.
Accelerating drug discovery and repurposing by combining transcriptional signature connectivity with docking
Authors: Thorman Alexander W. , Reigle James , Chutipongtanate Somchai , Yang Juechen , Shamsaei Behrouz , Pilarczyk Marcin , Fazel-Najafabadi Mehdi , Adamczak Rafal , Kouril Michal , Bhatnagar Surbhi , Hummel Sarah , Niu Wen , Morrow Ardythe L. , Czyzyk-Krzeska Maria F. , McCullumsmith Robert , Seibel William , Nassar Nicolas , Zheng Yi , Hildeman David A. , Medvedovic Mario , Herr Andrew B. , Meller Jarek
Published: August 2024

We present an in silico approach for drug discovery, dubbed connectivity enhanced structure activity relationship (ceSAR). Building on the landmark LINCS library of transcriptional signatures of drug-like molecules and gene knockdowns, ceSAR combines cheminformatic techniques with signature concordance analysis to connect small molecules and their targets and further assess their biophysical compatibility using molecular docking. Candidate compounds are first ranked in a target structure–independent manner, using chemical similarity to LINCS analogs that exhibit transcriptomic concordance with a target gene knockdown. Top candidates are subsequently rescored using docking simulations and machine learning–based consensus of the two approaches. Using extensive benchmarking, we show that ceSAR greatly reduces false-positive rates, while cutting run times by multiple orders of magnitude and further democratizing drug discovery pipelines. We further demonstrate the utility of ceSAR by identifying and experimentally validating inhibitors of BCL2A1, an important antiapoptotic target in melanoma and preterm birth–associated inflammation.
Multi-armored allogeneic MUC1 CAR T cells enhance efficacy and safety in triple-negative breast cancer
Authors: Erler Piril , Kurcon Tomasz , Cho Hana , Skinner Jordan , Dixon Chantel , Grudman Steven , Rozlan Sandra , Dessez Emilie , Mumford Ben , Jo Sumin , Boyne Alex , Juillerat Alexandre , Duchateau Philippe , Poirot Laurent , Aranda-Orgilles Beatriz
Published: August 2024

Solid tumors, such as triple-negative breast cancer (TNBC), are biologically complex due to cellular heterogeneity, lack of tumor-specific antigens, and an immunosuppressive tumor microenvironment (TME). These challenges restrain chimeric antigen receptor (CAR) T cell efficacy, underlining the importance of armoring. In solid cancers, a localized tumor mass allows alternative administration routes, such as intratumoral delivery with the potential to improve efficacy and safety but may compromise metastatic-site treatment. Using a multi-layered CAR T cell engineering strategy that allowed a synergy between attributes, we show enhanced cytotoxic activity of MUC1 CAR T cells armored with PD1
KO
, tumor-specific interleukin-12 release, and TGFBR2
KO
attributes catered towards the TNBC TME. Intratumoral treatment effectively reduced distant tumors, suggesting retention of antigen-recognition benefits at metastatic sites. Overall, we provide preclinical evidence of armored non-alloreactive MUC1 CAR T cells greatly reducing high TNBC tumor burden in a TGFB1- and PD-L1–rich TME both at local and distant sites while preserving safety.
Precise control of transmembrane current via regulating bionic lipid membrane composition
Authors: Shang Zhiwei , Zhao Jing , Yang Mengyu , Xiao Yuling , Chu Wenjing , Xu Shijun , Zhang Xiaojin , Yi Xiaoqing , Lin Meihua , Xia Fan
Published: August 2024

The transport of ions through biological ion channels is regulated not only by their structural characteristics but also by the composition of the phospholipid membrane, which serves as a carrier for nanochannels. Inspired by the modulation of ion currents by lipid membrane composition, exemplified by the activation of the K
+
channel of
Streptomyces
A by anionic lipids, we present a biomimetic nanochannel system based on combining DNA nanotechnology with two-dimensional graphene oxide (GO) nanosheets. By designing multibranched DNA nanowires, we assemble programmable DNA scaffold networks (DSNs) on the GO surface to precisely control membrane composition. Modulating the DSN layers from one to five enhances DNA composition, yielding a maximum 12-fold enhancement in ion current, primarily due to charge effects. Incorporating DNAzymes facilitates reversible modulation of membrane composition, enabling cyclic conversion of ion current. This approach offers a pathway for creating devices with highly efficient, tunable ion transport, applicable in diverse fields like mass transport, environmental protection, biomimetic channels, and biosensors.
Acinar cystic transformation of the pancreas
Authors: Pritchard Matthew , Boue Alberto Alejandro , Samra Jaswinder , Chou Angela , Mittal Anubhav
Published: August 2024

Acinar cystic transformation (ACT) of the pancreas is a rare non-neoplastic cystic lesion. It is difficult to distinguish from more concerning pathology, particularly a side-branch duct intraductal papillary mucinous neoplasm (IPMN). All reported cases of ACT have been clinically benign with no evidence of recurrence or malignant transformation. The Fukuoka guidelines is a classification system designed to help guide the management of IPMNs and mucinous cystic neoplasms. We report a case of ACT that was preoperatively diagnosed as a suspected side-branch IPMN. Through the application of current guidelines, the patient underwent a Whipple’s procedure. We highlight the difficulties in obtaining an accurate preoperative diagnosis in cases of ACT and the current radiological and cytological methods available to clinicians.
Numerical modeling of physical behavior of PCM in attendance of nano-sized additives
Authors: Mechai Idir
Published: August 2024

In this paper, freezing through a cold storage unit is simulated, featuring a container equipped with branch-shaped fins attached to the lower cold surface. Conduction emerges as the primary influencer of the freezing process, leading to the simplification of governing equations and the adoption of the Galerkin method for numerical modeling. Notably, an adaptive grid is introduced to enhance accuracy, and the discretization of unsteady terms is achieved through implicit formulation. Rigorous validation against benchmark data attests to the reasonable accuracy of the numerical procedure. Innovatively, to enhance the efficiency of cold storage, nanoparticles are dispersed within the water, in addition to the strategic use of fins. Both methods contribute to enhancing the system’s performance by amplifying the conduction mode of heat transfer. Two key variables are considered: the volume fraction ([Formula: see text]) of the nanofluid and its shape factor (m). The study reveals that increasing [Formula: see text] and m results in a lower period of freezing, showing reductions of approximately 1.81% and 17.59%, respectively.
Assessment of Natural Radioactivity and Radiological Hazards in Soil, Sorghum, and Water in Villy at the West Central Region of Burkina Faso
Authors: Bangou Christian , Yameogo Zakaria , Hie Karim , Nitiema Etienne , Zerbo Issa , Zoungrana Martial
Published: August 2024

This study presents investigation of the exposure levels and the resulting radiological effect of radiation of a natural radioactivity on a population of one village of Burkina Faso called Villy. For this purpose, soil, water, and sorghum samples were collected. The samples collected were processed and analyzed by gamma ray spectrometry at the laboratory of the national authority of radiation protection (ARSN) for natural radioactivity characterisation. The average specific activities of U‐238, Th‐232, and K‐40 were found to be: 35.53, 32.38, and 162.85 Bq/kg for soil; 0.78, 1.16, and 310.53 Bq/kg for sorghum; and 0.16, 0.14, and <0.35 Bq.L−1 for water. The annual effective dose measured for U‐238, Th‐232, and K‐40 are, respectively, included in the following ranges: 0.03–0.08 mSv/y, 0.28–0.68 µSv/y, and 10–30 nSv/y. Through these results, the resulting average annual effective doses of these three specific radionuclides were evaluated and are, respectively, 0.05 ± 0.02 mSv/y for soil, 0.38 ± 0.07 µSv/y for sorghum, and 20 ± 10 nSv/y for water. They were much lower than the annual dose limit of 1 mSv/y for the public proposed by the International Agency of Atomic Energy (IAEA). The calculated values for radium equivalent activity and external hazard indices for all samples studied were lower than the recommended limits of UNSCEAR. The results from the study indicated that the sorghum, soil, and water samples in Villy do not pose any significant radiological hazard.
Insights into Factors Influencing Thermoplastic Elastomer (TPE) Foam Production and the Role of Induced Crystallization
Authors: Demewoz Nigus Maregu
Published: August 2024

This review provides a comprehensive overview of the multifaceted factors influencing TPE foam production, with a specific focus on the intriguing role of induced crystallization. TPE foams excel in versatility and cost‐effectiveness, yet their production faces several challenges, that significantly impact their final characteristics. The examination encompasses a range of factors, including solubility, diffusivity, interfacial tension, rheology, foaming parameters, nucleating agents, and the intricate influence of induced crystallization on TPE foam structure and performance. In TPE, crystallinity can be induced through various means including gas sorption, stress concentration, extrusion, annealing, and self‐nucleation. These induced crystals serve as nucleation sites for heterogeneous nucleation during foaming. The advancements achieved in polymer foam are thoroughly evaluated in terms of both progress and limitations, drawing insights from various research findings. Furthermore, the review examines recent developments and explores the effects of induced crystallization on TPE foam.
Astragaloside IV Protects against Diabetic Nephropathy by Inhibiting FUNDC1‐Dependent Mitochondria‐Associated Endoplasmic Reticulum Membranes
Authors: Zhang Zeng , Wang Yanyan , Zhou Fengzhu , Xu Siyu , Zhang Xinyi , Ma Yueying , Liu Yifei , He Yanming
Published: August 2024

Studies have demonstrated the potential therapeutic effects of Astragaloside IV (AS‐IV) in various diseases. However, its effect on diabetic nephropathy (DN) and the underlying mechanisms are not clear. The expression of FUNDC1 in DN patients and high glucose‐induced human renal tubular epithelial cell line (HK‐2) with or without AS‐IV was analyzed using quantitative real‐time polymerase chain reaction and Western blot. Cell Counting Kit‐8 (CCK‐8) assay was used to quantify cell viability. The intracellular oxygen consumption rate was measured by using the seahorse energy analyzer, and the mitochondrial reactive oxygen species and mitochondrial Ca2+ levels were determined by flow cytometry. A mice model of diabetes was constructed and treated with different doses of AS‐IV. Hematoxylin‐eosin and Masson staining were used to examine the pathological changes in renal tissue. Creatinine, blood urea nitrogen, and urinary protein were detected by the biochemical method. The results demonstrated increased FUNDC1 expression in patients with DN and high glucose‐cultured HK‐2 cells. FUNDC1 silencing inhibited high glucose‐induced mitochondria‐associated endoplasmic reticulum (ER) membrane formation and mitochondrial dysfunction in HK‐2 cells. Importantly, AS‐IV treatment inhibited FUNDC1‐induced mitochondria‐associated ER membrane formation and mitochondrial dysfunction in HK‐2 cells. AS‐IV treatment also protected against renal injury and improved renal function in mice. AS‐IV alleviates the progression of DN by inhibiting FUNDC1‐dependent mitochondria‐associated ER membrane.
Clinical and Genetic Characteristics of Two Cases With Developmental and Epileptic Encephalopathy 93 Caused by Novel ATP6V1A Mutations and Literature Review
Authors: Ma Jian , Zhang Hongwei , Lv Yuqiang , Gao Min , Gai Zhongtao , Liu Yi
Published: August 2024

Developmental and epileptic encephalopathy 93 (DEE93) is a new defined autosomal dominant neurologic disorder caused by heterozygous mutations in the ATP6V1A gene on chromosome 3q13. DEE93 is characterized by developmental delay, early‐onset refractory seizures, hypotonia, and intellectual disability. So far, merely 31 cases caused by ATP6V1A gene mutation have been reported in literature worldwide, and early genetic detection is required for differential diagnosis. Here, we analyze the clinical and genetic features of two patients with two novel ATP6V1A mutations (c.1061G>T/p.(Trp354Leu) and c.746C>T/p.(Pro249Leu)) and expound the therapeutic schedule for epilepsy. We also review the reported mutations and genotypes associated with the disorder. Our study expands the clinical and genetic spectrum of ATP6V1A mutation‐associated DEE93, which provides a basis for the diagnosis, treatment, and genetic counseling of the disorder.
Clinical Characteristics and Management of Hypercalcemic Crisis in 155 Patients: A Single Center Retrospective Study
Authors: Qu Yuqing , Liu Yang , Wang Xianling , Guo Qinghua , Du Jin , Pei Yu , Ba Jianming , Gu Weijun , Dou Jingtao , Lv Zhaohui , Mu Yiming
Published: August 2024

Objective. This study aimed to analyse the etiology and clinical characteristics of hypercalcemic crisis in a large cohort of Chinese patients and summarised our clinical experience in the management of this serious endocrinological emergency. Methods. This was a retrospective analysis of a cohort of patients with hypercalcemic crisis hospitalized in the First Medical Center of Chinese PLA General Hospital between January 2009 and March 2024. The general data, clinical manifestations, etiology, photographic examination, emergency treatment, etiological treatment, and prognosis were analysed. Results. A total of 155 patients with hypercalcemic crisis (91 males and 64 females) with a mean age of 54.60 ± 16.99 years old were enrolled. The most frequent disease‐causing hypercalcemic crisis was hyperparathyroidism (41.94%), followed by solid malignancy (41.29%) and multiple myeloma (9.03%), et al. Patients mainly presented with symptoms of the digestive system (78.10%), nervous system (63.30%), skeletal system (59.60%), urinary system (59.50%), and cardiovascular system (34.90%). These 155 patients with hypercalcemic crisis got effective therapies that included simultaneous administration of intravenous injection (IV) isotonic saline, subcutaneous calcitonin, bisphosphonate, or hemodialysis in serious cases. After emergency treatment, all the symptoms in the patients were relieved obviously. The cure rate of hypercalcemic with etiological treatments was 84.50% (131/155). Conclusion. Hypercalcemic crisis is a serious endocrinological emergency with a variety of etiologies and a high risk of mortality. A prompt diagnosis and the implementation of a comprehensive and effective treatment can efficiently alleviate this endocrinological emergency. Etiological treatment targeting different causes can improve prognosis significantly.
Figure S6 from Loss of STK11 Suppresses Lipid Metabolism and Attenuates KRAS-Induced Immunogenicity in Patients with Non–Small Cell Lung Cancer
Authors: Principe Daniel R. , Pasquinelli Mary M. , Nguyen Ryan H. , Munshi Hidayatullah G. , Hulbert Alicia , Aissa Alexandre F. , Weinberg Frank
Published: August 2024

Figure S6. KRAS mutated tumors have an increased CD cytotoxicity score, which is lost with STK11 co-mutation
Supplementary Figure 8 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure 8 shows the expression of GLI target genes in all experimental groups.
Supplementary Figure 10 from KRAS Promotes GLI2-Dependent Transcription during Pancreatic Carcinogenesis
Authors: Sigafoos Ashley N. , Tolosa Ezequiel J. , Carr Ryan M. , Fernandez-Barrena Maite G. , Almada Luciana L. , Pease David R. , Hogenson Tara L. , Raja Arul Glancis L. , Mousavi Fatemeh , Sen Sandhya , Vera Renzo E. , Marks David L. , Flores Luis F. , LaRue-Nolan Kayla C. , Wu Chen , Bamlet William R. , Vrabel Anne M. , Sicotte Hugues , Schenk Erin L. , Smyrk Thomas C. , Zhang Lizhi , Rabe Kari G. , Oberg Ann L. , Zaphiropoulos Peter G. , Chevet Eric , Graham Rondell P. , Hagen Catherine E. , di Magliano Marina P. , Elsawa Sherine F. , Pin Christopher L. , Mao Junhao , McWilliams Robert R. , Fernandez-Zapico Martin E.
Published: August 2024

Supplementary Figure 10 shows not differences in H3K4me1 enrichment at Ccnd1 promoter in mutant KRAS cells.
Osteonecrose da cabeça femoral por uso de corticosteroides no tratamento da COVID-19: relato de caso
Authors: Barbosa Mateus Gonçalves de Sena , Souza Rafaela Luiza Vilela de , Peixoto Maria Eduarda Santos Affi , Gonçalves Arthur Carvalho de Oliveira , Cherain Luiz Gabriel Gonçalves , Cordeiro Adriano Correa , Carvalho Lucas Hiron Ulhoa , Lacerda Raphael Antunes , Silva Josy Maria Maximiano
Published: August 2024

Non-traumatic osteonecrosis of the femoral head (ONHF) is characterized by cell death of osteocytes and alterations in osteoblasts and osteoclasts, often caused by prolonged use of corticosteroids. Other risk factors include autoimmune diseases, alcohol, radiotherapy and infections. This report describes the case of a 55-year-old man who developed ONHF after treatment with corticosteroids for COVID-19. ONHF can be insidious, manifesting with pain and limited movement, with magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) being the most effective diagnostic method. Treatment varies from conservative to surgical, depending on the stage of the disease. Early diagnosis and multidisciplinary follow-up are essential for a better prognosis. Future research should focus on developing COVID-19 treatment guidelines that reduce the incidence of ONCF, exploring safe and effective therapeutic alternatives.
Le passage de la norme à la décision: de la fonction de l’argumentation dans l’ordre juridique
Authors: Moor Pierre
Published: August 2024

L’analyse du passage de la norme à la décision met l’accent sur la dimension langagière du Droit : la textualité du Droit, et à l’intérieur de cette textualité, la diversité de la densité normative des textes. Cette textualité et son institutionnalisation impliquent une exigence de rationalité des actes étatiques. Celle-ci porte sur la motivation des décisions en imposant que leur bien-fondé soit argumenté. Les arguments peuvent trouver leur source dans l’ordre juridique ; ceux-ci sont souvent insuffisants, et le juge doit alors puiser dans des savoirs sociaux, qu’il intègre ainsi dans l’ordre juridique. Il obéit à une double programmation, qui assure l’acceptance sociale de ses décisions. Ainsi, l’argumentation mène à la solution de la question juridique à résoudre : elle s’exprime dans la norme particulière qui fonde le dispositif de la décision et qui sera un cas particulier de la norme générale à appliquer. La succession de normes particulières se référant à la même norme générale et formant son encyclopédie est la base de la continuité de la jurisprudence. Les destinataires de l’argumentation sont procéduralement les parties en cause devant le juge, mais aussi, beaucoup plus largement, la doctrine, et plus largement encore, la collectivité, fictivement dite auditoire universel.
Les « noces parlementaires » : Rhétorique, Sémiotique et Droit. Convaincre dans une affaire de justice sociétale
Authors: Bertrand Denis
Published: August 2024

Le contexte choisi est celui de l’ultime séance de débat à l'Assemblée nationale française le 23 avril 2013, avant le vote établissant dans le droit le « mariage pour tous » compris comme œuvre de justice sociétale. Cette nouvelle loi sera la réalisation majeure du gouvernement socialiste de l’époque. Alors même que le résultat du vote est acquis compte tenu de l’état des forces politiques et de la domination de la gauche, le débat préalable a lieu avec toute la force de ses arguments contradictoires. On analyse alors quelques courts extraits des discours prononcés à la tribune par des députés favorables ou opposés à cette loi, en nous interrogeant sur la pertinence d’un tel débat dont on sait que l’effet pragmatique sera nul. Cet épisode remarquable nous conduit à interroger les trois piliers de la rhétorique classique — les « genres » judiciaire, épidictique et délibératif — du point de vue sémiotique de la véridiction et sur l’horizon du discours juridique dans le rituel législatif fondateur du Droit. Ce discours, loin d’être exclusivement concerné par le genre judiciaire, se situe plutôt à la croisée de la célèbre tripartition générique. Entre vérité attestée (le judiciaire), vérité exaltée (l’épidictique) et vérité projetée (le délibératif), c’est dans l’entrelacs du pathémique que le discours du Droit construit ses modalités d’énonciation pour imposer ses énoncés normatifs et contribuer ainsi à l’édification du collectif. Notre hypothèse consiste alors à chercher dans ce syncrétisme générique la raison de la pertinence des prises de parole politico-juridiques « de circonstance » : leur visée, loin de l’effet pragmatique primaire d’un succès dans les urnes, serait de faire apparaître un « point de justesse » dont l’effet est de consolider le collectif et de contribuer à son institution à travers un rituel énonciatif qui semble à lui-même sa propre fin.
Multimodal and Multifactor Branching Time Active Inference
Authors: Champion Théophile , Grześ Marek , Bowman Howard
Published: August 2024

Active inference is a state-of-the-art framework for modeling the brain that explains a wide range of mechanisms. Recently, two versions of branching time active inference (BTAI) have been developed to handle the exponential (space and time) complexity class that occurs when computing the prior over all possible policies up to the time horizon. However, those two versions of BTAI still suffer from an exponential complexity class with regard to the number of observed and latent variables being modeled. We resolve this limitation by allowing each observation to have its own likelihood mapping and each latent variable to have its own transition mapping. The implicit mean field approximation was tested in terms of its efficiency and computational cost using a dSprites environment in which the metadata of the dSprites data set was used as input to the model. In this setting, earlier implementations of branching time active inference (namely, BTAIVMP and BTAIBF) underperformed in relation to the mean field approximation (BTAI3MF) in terms of performance and computational efficiency. Specifically, BTAIVMP was able to solve 96.9% of the task in 5.1 seconds, and BTAIBF was able to solve 98.6% of the task in 17.5 seconds. Our new approach outperformed both of its predecessors by solving the task completely (100%) in only 2.559 seconds.