bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Active Density Pattern Formation in Bacterial Binary Mixtures
Authors: Espada Burriel Silvia , Colin Remy
Published: April 2024

Microbial communities often exhibit complex spatial structures that are important for their functioning, ecology, and evolution. While the role of biochemical interactions is extensively studied, how physical interactions contribute to structuring typically multispecies and phenotypically diverse bacterial communities is unclear. Here, we examined how motility, a major bacterial trait, affects the organization of model binary mixtures of motile and nonmotile bacteria, revealing a novel type of active self-organization. Motile bacteria induce large-scale, fluctuating density patterns in nonmotile bacteria across a wide range of physiologically relevant cell densities. Combining experiments and quantitative modeling, we demonstrate that this pattern formation solely results from physical interactions and relies on two key ingredients: By swimming in circles at surfaces, the motile bacteria generate recirculating hydrodynamic flows that advect nonmotile cells, and the breaking of vertical symmetry by gravity permits local density accumulation. The density patterns fluctuate as the advection landscape slowly rearrange with motile cells configurations on the surfaces. This new nonequilibrium mechanism for pattern formation in bacteria belongs to a different class compared to previous models for self-organization in self-propelled systems, which rely on localized traffic jamming in two dimensions. It is instead similar to fluctuation-dominated phase ordering in active nematics. The behavior also drives the formation of large scale and highly structured aggregates of nonmotile cells that express adhesins in the mixture, and it showcases how motile species activity can shape the spatial organization of complex microbial communities.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Quantum Control of Radical-Pair Dynamics beyond Time-Local Optimization
Authors: Chowdhury Farhan T. , Denton Matt C.J. , Bonser Daniel C. , Kattnig Daniel R.
Published: April 2024

We realize arbitrary-wave-form-based control of spin-selective recombination reactions of radical pairs in the low-magnetic-field regime. To this end, we extend the gradient-ascent pulse engineering (GRAPE) paradigm to allow for optimizing reaction yields. This overcomes drawbacks of previously suggested time-local optimization approaches for the reaction control of radical pairs, which were limited to high biasing fields. We demonstrate how efficient time-global optimization of the recombination yields can be realized by gradient-based methods augmented by time blocking, sparse sampling of the yield, and evaluation of the central single time-step propagators and their Fréchet derivatives using iterated Trotter-Suzuki splittings. Results are shown for both a toy model, previously used to demonstrate coherent control of radical-pair reactions in the simpler high-field scenario and, furthermore, for a realistic exciplex-forming donor-acceptor system comprising 16 nuclear spins. This raises prospects for the spin control of actual radical-pair systems in ambient magnetic fields, by suppressing or boosting radical reaction yields using purpose-specific radio-frequency wave forms, paving the way for reaction-yield-dependent quantum magnetometry and potentially applications of quantum control to biochemical radical-pair reactions. We demonstrate the latter aspect for two radical pairs implicated in quantum biology.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
2-Cyano-2-isonitrosoacetamide–3,4-dimethylpyrazole (1/1): a co-crystal of two molecules with agrochemical activities
Authors: Domasevitch Kostiantyn V. , Senchyk Ganna A. , Ponomarova Vira V. , Lysenko Andrey B. , Krautscheid Harald
Published: April 2024

In the structure of the title co-crystal, C3H3N3O2·C5H8N2, the components are linked by a set of directional O—H...N, N—H...O, N—H...N and C—H...O hydrogen bonds to yield a two-dimensional mono-periodic arrangement. The structure propagates in the third dimension by extensive π–π stacking interactions of nearly parallel molecules of the two components, following an alternating sequence. The primary structure-defining interaction is very strong oxime-OH donor to pyrazole-N acceptor hydrogen bond [O...N = 2.587 (2) Å], while the significance of weaker hydrogen bonds and π–π stacking interactions is comparable. The distinct structural roles of different kinds of interactions agree with the results of a Hirshfeld surface analysis and calculated interaction energies. The title compound provides insights into co-crystals of active agrochemical molecules and features the rational integration in one structure of a fungicide, C3H3N3O2, and a second active component, C5H8N2, known for alleviation the toxic effects of fungicides on plants. The material appears to be well suited for practical uses, being non-volatile, air-stable, water-soluble, but neither hygroscopic nor efflorescent.
Adapting innovation capabilities in emerging economies: the role of learning and cultural and institutional distance in MNC subsidiaries in Korea
Authors: Park Chulhyung , Jin Kyuho
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The rise of emerging economies in the innovation landscape has often been attributed to the positive spillovers of innovation capabilities from multinational corporations (MNCs). However, it is less certain that their innovative capabilities imported from the home country function effectively in the host country from the outset. This study examines the performance of the innovation capabilities of MNC subsidiaries in emerging economies over time by considering the gradual process of their learning about host countries.

Design/methodology/approach

We employed stochastic frontier analysis to measure innovation capabilities, our focal construct. For regression analysis, we applied the Mundlak estimator, a variant of the fixed-effects panel estimator, to a sample comprising subsidiaries of MNCs from technologically advanced nations operating in Korea between 2006 and 2016.

Findings

Our results indicate that the innovation capabilities of MNC subsidiaries initially underperform those of local firms but improve over time, eventually surpassing the capabilities of their local counterparts. Furthermore, our findings reveal that institutional distance amplifies the underperformance of the innovation capabilities of MNC subsidiaries.

Originality/value

This study contributes to the literature by extending both theoretical development and empirical measurement of innovation capabilities in cross-national settings. Additionally, it deepens our understanding of whether and how MNC subsidiaries adapt their innovation capabilities to the local market environment.
The relationship between construction workers’ emotional intelligence and safety performance
Authors: Huang Wenwei , Zhong Deyu , Chen Yanlin
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Construction enterprises are achieving the goal of production safety by increasingly focusing on the critical factor of “human” and the impact of individual characteristics on safety performance. Emotional intelligence is categorized into three models: skill-based, trait-based and emotional learning systems. However, the mechanism of action and the internal relationship between emotional intelligence and safety performance must be further studied. This study intends to examine the internal mechanism of emotional intelligence on safety performance in construction projects, which would contribute to the safety management of construction enterprises.

Design/methodology/approach

A structural equation model exploring the relationship between emotional intelligence and safety performance is developed, with political skill introduced as an independent dimension, situational awareness presented as a mediator, and management safety commitment introduced as a moderator. Data were collected by a random questionnaire and analyzed by SPSS 24.0 and AMOS 26.0. The structural equation model tested the mediation hypothesis, and the PROCESS macro program tested the moderated mediation hypothesis.

Findings

The results showed that construction workers' emotional intelligence directly correlates with safety performance, and situational awareness plays a mediating role in the relationship between emotional intelligence and the safety performance of construction workers. Management safety commitment weakens the positive predictive relationships between emotional intelligence and situational awareness and between emotional intelligence and safety performance.

Originality/value

This research reveals a possible impact of emotional intelligence on safety performance. Adding political skills to the skill-based model of emotional intelligence received a test pass. Political skill measures the sincere and cooperative skills of construction workers. Using people as a critical element plays a role in the benign mechanism of “Emotional Intelligence – Situational Awareness – Safety Performance.” Improving emotional intelligence skills through training, enhancing situational awareness, understanding, anticipation and coordination and activating management environment factors can improve safety performance. Construction enterprises should evaluate and train workers' emotional intelligence to improve workers' situational awareness and safety performance.
Corporate governance mishap in a startup: a case of GoMechanic
Authors: Dhamija Sanjay , Nayyar Reena
Published: April 2024

Learning outcomes

The case study is designed to help students understand how the “growth at all costs” attitude can lead to compromised corporate governance in a start-up leading to disastrous implications for all the stakeholders. This case study aims to make students understand the components of the fraud triangle, the impact of financial fraud on various stakeholders, the role of venture capitalist (VC) investors and the importance of good corporate governance in start-ups. The case study presents an excellent opportunity for students to discuss the consequences of ignoring good governance in the pursuit of growth in a start-up. After analyzing the case study, the students shall be able to explain the concept of the fraud triangle and to be able to identify the motivation, opportunity and rationalization of financial irregularities in a start-up; analyze the impact of financial irregularities on various stakeholders; comprehend the business model of VCs and evaluate its influence on VC-funded start-ups; and appraise the importance of good corporate governance in start-ups.

Case overview/synopsis

The case study revolves around the confession of financial irregularities made by one of the cofounders of GoMechanic, a start-up headquartered in Gurugram, India. On January 18, 2023, Amit Bhasin confessed to financial irregularities in the company’s financial statements, leading to laying off 70% of the workforce of the company. GoMechanic had earlier raised close to US$62m [1] from maverick global investors including Sequoia Capital, Tiger Global, Orios Venture Partners and Chiratae Ventures, and was negotiating to raise Series D financing from the Japanese multinational SoftBank with aspirations to be a unicorn (start-up with a valuation of over $1bn). The confession led to a debate about the consequences of the “growth at all cost” culture being followed by start-ups as well as VCs. GoMechanic was not an isolated instance of a lack of governance in the start-ups. The confession had consequences not only for the GoMechanic but for the entire start-up ecosystem of India, which was the third largest in the world. Bhasin stated that the founders take full responsibility for the situation, and they were working on a plan which was most viable under the circumstances. However, it was not going to be easy to regain the confidence of the investors.

Complexity academic level

The case study is best suited for senior undergraduate- and graduate-level business school students and in executive education programs in courses such as corporate governance and ethics, private equity and entrepreneurial finance.

Supplementary material

Teaching notes are available for educators only.

Subject code

CSS 1: Accounting and finance
Investigation of sustainability failures of ISO 9001 quality management system – a case of Botswana
Authors: Jacob Letso Audrey , Gandure Jerekias , Kommula Venkata Parasuram
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate causes of sustainability failures of ISO 9001 Quality Management Systems in Botswana.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employed qualitative and quantitative methods, including literature review and secondary data analysis to understand trends relating to Botswana, and a survey to identify gaps leading to certification sustainability failures, focusing on; motives for certification, causes of decertification and issues in the certification process.

Findings

ISO 9001 adoption in Botswana is slow, with low acceptance rate in the public sector at 13% compared to the private sector at 87%. Termination rates have been high at 55% over two decades. Manufacturing dominates certification with 45% of total certification. While micro and small companies struggle to sustain certification, often failing within 2 years, medium-sized companies demonstrate better sustainability, lasting beyond 6 years. Product/service quality and process improvement drive certification while decertification is influenced by management factors, financial constraints, and process management. The study recommends a model for effective integration of ISO 9001.

Originality/value

Integrated systems are crucial for consistent process performance and continual improvement in all sectors for sustainable organizational success. Although the ISO 9001 Quality Management System has shown positive impacts globally, the impact of its adoption in Botswana remains questionable with high failure rates post implementation. There appears to exist a significant gap in development, implementation, and maintenance of the QMS. The public domain has no evidence of any past investigation on causes of sustainability failures of ISO 9001 post certification. The current study sought to close that knowledge gap.
Enforcing payment obligations under construction contracts by insolvency proceedings
Authors: Ndekugri Issaka , Silverio Ana Karina , Mason Jim
Published: April 2024

Purpose

States have intervened with legislation to improve cashflow within construction project supply chains. The operation of the UK’s Housing Grants, Construction and Regeneration Act 1996 leads to payment obligations stated either as a contract administrator’s certificate (or equivalent) or an adjudicator’s decision. The purpose of the intervention would be defeated unless there are speedy ways of transforming these pieces of paper into real money. The combination of the legislation, contractual provisions and insolvency law has produced a minefield of complexity concerning enforcement of payment obligations stated in these documents. Unfortunately, the knowledge and understanding required to navigate these complexities have been sorely lacking. The purpose of this paper is to plug this gap.

Design/methodology/approach

Legal research methods and case study approaches, using relevant court decisions as data, were adopted.

Findings

The enforcement method advised by the court is the summary judgment procedure provided under the Civil Procedure Rules. An overdue payment obligation, either under the terms of a construction contract or an adjudicator’s decision, amounts to a debt that can be the subject of insolvency proceedings. Although the insolvency enforcement method has been successfully used on some occasions, using it purely as a debt collection weapon would be inappropriate and likely to be punished by the court.

Originality/value

The paper contributes to knowledge in two ways: (i) it maps out the factual situations in which these payment challenges arise in language accessible to the construction industry’s professions; and (ii) comparative analysis of payment enforcement methods to aid decision-making by parties to construction industry contracts. It is relevant to the other common-law jurisdictions in which similar statutory interventions have been made.
The impact of digitalization on employees' future competencies: has human resource development a conditional role here?
Authors: Piwowar-Sulej Katarzyna , Blštáková Jana , Ližbetinová Lenka , Zagorsek Branislav
Published: April 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to research the impact of digitalization on employees' future competencies and the conditional role of human resource development (HRD) in the relationship between independent and dependent variables.

Design/methodology/approach

Empirical research covered 1209 enterprises from all of Slovakia, Poland and the Czech Republic. The research was conducted from 2019 to 2021. Using structural equation modeling (SEM), a theoretical model was tested and verified.

Findings

Confirmatory factor analysis has shown a good fit for the tested model. The purpose and character of our data showed a good alignment with the SEM partial least squares method, as the goal is to predict a construct. The model showed that employee-oriented digitalization positively affected the employees' future competencies, with no impact of customer-oriented digitalization treated as a control variable. Also, the moderating role of HRD has not been shown to be significant for the “digitalization – competencies” relationship.

Originality/value

Previous studies on the development of personnel competencies treated these competencies as antecedents of digital transformation and examined the formal role of HRD in building the competencies. The novelty of this study lies in exploring the pattern of interactions among the impact of an environment built by innovative technologies and HRD on the competencies of the future. Also, the research embedded in the environment of Poland, the Czech Republic and Slovakia has contributed to the complex understanding of the transition to digitalization, as this region has often been omitted in the field of human resource management (HRM) research focused on exploring digital transformation.
Factors affecting librarians’ intentions to engage in virtual storytimes
Authors: Joo Soohyung , Cahill Maria , LeFebvre Luke , Garcia Antonio , Cole Averi
Published: April 2024

Purpose

This study investigated multiple factors associated with librarians’ intentions to engage in virtual storytimes in public libraries. Based on the theory of planned behavior, the study examined the aspects of attitudes, social norms, behavioral controls and organizational support about librarians’ intentions to engage in virtual storytime practices.

Design/methodology/approach

A survey was conducted to investigate the perceptions of public librarians who work in children’s services across the USA. The study collected 365 valid responses to assess the impact of the selected factors on librarians’ intentions. Structural equation modeling was employed for statistical analysis.

Findings

The results revealed that attitudes, subjective norms and behavioral controls were significant factors associated with librarians’ intention to engage in virtual storytimes. Among these, attitudinal factors were the most influential; however, organizational support was not a significant factor.

Originality/value

Minimal research has been conducted to explore factors associated with online storytime practices, which served as a primary delivery mode during the COVID-19 pandemic. This study is among the first attempts to investigate various factors related to virtual storytimes in public libraries from the perspectives of librarians.
Synergies and trade-offs between ecological and productivity-enhancing measures in industrial production – a systematic review
Authors: Rüdele Kai , Wolf Matthias , Ramsauer Christian
Published: April 2024

Purpose

Improving productivity and efficiency has always been crucial for industrial companies to remain competitive. In recent years, the topic of environmental impact has become increasingly important. Published research indicates that environmental and economic goals can enforce or rival each other. However, few papers have been published that address the interaction and integration of these two goals.

Design/methodology/approach

In this paper, we identify both, synergies and trade-offs based on a systematic review incorporating 66 publications issued between 1992 and 2021. We analyze, quantify and cluster examples of conjunctions of ecological and economic measures and thereby develop a framework for the combined improvement of performance and environmental compatibility.

Findings

Our findings indicate an increased significance of a combined consideration of these two dimensions of sustainability. We found that cases where enforcing synergies between economic and ecological effects were identified are by far more frequent than reports on trade-offs. For the individual categories, cost savings are uniformly considered as the most important economic aspect while, energy savings appear to be marginally more relevant than waste reduction in terms of environmental aspects.

Originality/value

No previous literature review provides a comparable graphical treatment of synergies and trade-offs between cost savings and ecological effects. For the first time, identified measures were classified in a 3 × 3 table considering type and principle.
Millet magic foundation: a social initiative for alleviating poverty of the indigenous tribes of Mayurbhanj
Authors: Mathur Nidhi , Mohanty DeviArchana , Gupta Saurabh
Published: April 2024

Research methodology

The case study is based on a social entrepreneurial journey where the authors have used an interview method to get the insights from the protagonists and the employees. Rigorous interviews were conducted online and in person for deep analysis of the protagonist’s strategies and decisive dilemma.

Secondary data was collected from company’s website for facts and figures.

Case overview/synopsis

This case study is a story of indigenous tribes of Odisha from the eyes of a woman who, with her co-founder, empathized with their vulnerable life and took on the challenge of creating sustainable livelihoods by establishing Millet Magic Foundation. The Millet Magic Foundation was established in 2021 by Shyama and her cofounder to uplift the indigenous tribe of Mayurbhanj by providing them livelihood through millet-based products. The foundation launched their millet-based snack products with the brand name WOWMOM. Millet Magic Foundation created social impact for the tribals by providing them with employment, fair wages, health care and social well-being. The specialty of the Millet Magic was reverse positioning and focusing on the bottom of the pyramid. The success of the Millet Magic Foundation relied on its mission to uplift the life of these indigenous tribal, especially the women, by overcoming the challenges with the strategies to establish Millet Magic as a social enterprise.

Complexity academic level

The case study is primarily suitable for postgraduate programme to teach the concept of social entrepreneurship in the entrepreneurship module. The case study can also be used for highlighting the role of social enterprise in sustainable economic development of emerging economies.
From buzzes to bytes: A systematic review of automated bioacoustics models used to detect, classify and monitor insects
Authors: Kohlberg Anna B. , Myers Christopher R. , Figueroa Laura L.
Published: April 2024

Insects play vital ecological roles; many provide essential ecosystem services while others are economically devastating pests and disease vectors. Concerns over insect population declines and expansion have generated a pressing need to effectively monitor insects across broad spatial and temporal scales. A promising approach is bioacoustics, which uses sound to study ecological communities. Despite recent increases in machine learning technologies, the status of emerging automated bioacoustics methods for monitoring insects is not well known, limiting potential applications.

To address this gap, we systematically review the effectiveness of automated bioacoustics models over the past four decades, analysing 176 studies that met our inclusion criteria. We describe their strengths and limitations compared to traditional methods and propose productive avenues forward.

We found automated bioacoustics models for 302 insect species distributed across nine Orders. Studies used intentional calls (e.g. grasshopper stridulation), by‐products of flight (e.g. bee wingbeats) and indirectly produced sounds (e.g. grain movement) for identification. Pests were the most common study focus, driven largely by weevils and borers moving in dried food and wood. All disease vector studies focused on mosquitoes. A quarter of the studies compared multiple insect families.

Our review illustrates that machine learning, and deep learning in particular, are becoming the gold standard for bioacoustics automated modelling approaches. We identified models that could classify hundreds of insect species with over 90% accuracy. Bioacoustics models can be useful for reducing lethal sampling, monitoring phenological patterns within and across days and working in locations or conditions where traditional methods are less effective (e.g. shady, shrubby or remote areas). However, it is important to note that not all insect taxa emit easily detectable sounds, and that sound pollution may impede effective recordings in some environmental contexts.

Synthesis and applications: Automated bioacoustics methods can be a useful tool for monitoring insects and addressing pressing ecological and societal questions. Successful applications include assessing insect biodiversity, distribution and behaviour, as well as evaluating the effectiveness of restoration and pest control efforts. We recommend collaborations among ecologists and machine learning experts to increase model use by researchers and practitioners.
Assessing the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes as salt substitutes: From wild to plate
Authors: Srivarathan Sukirtha , Olarte Mantilla Sandra Milena , Phan Anh Dao Thi , Wright Olivia R. L. , Sultanbawa Yasmina , Netzel Michael E.
Published: April 2024

Increased salt (sodium chloride (NaCl)) consumption contributes to high blood pressure, increasing the risk of cardiovascular disease. Reducing the intake of NaCl could result in significant public health benefits. Australian grown halophytes are consumed traditionally by indigenous communities as food and medicine. The importance of halophytes has been recently “rediscovered” due to their salty taste and crunchy texture. This study aimed to assess the potential of Australian indigenous edible halophytes (AIEH) as salt substitutes. A benchtop test was carried out to establish a sensory lexicon of four important AIEH (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush) and to select the most promising halophyte based on sensory attributes and nutritional composition. Samphire and saltbush, the most common and commercially important halophytes, were used as comparisons. Semolina was used to prepare the halophyte‐based test food for the benchtop sensory study. Results of the formal sensory study showed that the growing location of samphire and saltbush can significantly affect their sensory attributes. Samphire had the most favorable sensory attributes and nutritional quality, with dry herb and bran aroma and flavor, whereas the saltbush test food preparations had herbaceous, minty dry wood, and green fruit aroma and flavor. The “optimal” concentration of added freeze‐dried samphire/saltbush powder was determined based on the saltiness perception of the NaCl‐semolina formulation (0.3% table salt equivalent to 1% samphire freeze‐dried powder and 1.4%–2.0% saltbush freeze‐dried powder, respectively). This study provided novel and crucial information on the potential use of AIEH as natural salt substitutes.

Practical Application

There is an increasing demand for natural salt substitutes. Halophytes are salt tolerant plants that sustain in arid or semiarid areas and have the potential to be used as natural salt substitutes. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first study reporting the sensory profiles of four important Australian indigenous edible halophytes (samphire, seapurslane, seablite, and saltbush). This study also demonstrated how different growing locations can affect the sensory attributes of halophytes and subsequently their potential food applications. Our findings provide critical information and data to further study halophytes in the context of novel food applications.
Smart contracts, the legal profession and COVID‐19: Highlighting the need to embrace technology
Authors: Osborne Sarah
Published: April 2024

It has been claimed that technology would replace the legal profession with artificial intelligence and codification of documents replacing the twenty‐first century lawyer. With this premise in mind, this paper discusses smart legal contract formation in the context of Australian contract law, the perceived replacement of lawyers through blockchain technology and how the COVID‐19 pandemic has set the trajectory for smart legal contract convention. We consider whether the legal profession can ever truly be replaced by technological advances and whether COVID‐19 has pivoted the way the legal profession performs business transactions towards modernisation. Although prior literature has considered how the legal profession may benefit from increased technology use, the expected timeframe for occurrence was dependant on a strong reluctance by the profession to change the status quo. Analysis of the impact of COVID‐19 on the legal profession including the execution of legal documents, provides insight into areas for improvement going forward and whether a regulatory overhaul is required. This research shows that, although there are a number of advantages to the implementation of smart legal contracts using blockchain technology, there still remains numerous implementation and regulatory concerns that need resolution if smart legal contracts are to be widely used.
Change in the neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio may predict early recurrence in operated bladder cancer
Authors: Çolak Rumeysa , Erdem Gökmen Umut , Kapar Caner , Gültürk İlkay , Aksu Faruk , Erdal Gülçin Şahingöz , Yılmaz Mesut , Tural Deniz
Published: April 2024

Background

Recurrence develops in 50% of operated bladder cancer patients. It is important to detect recurrence in advance, and there is no prognostic reliable biomarker for bladder cancer.

Objective

The aim of this study is to show that changes in hematological parameters before radiological imaging can predict recurrence.

Methods

We performed a retrospective cohort study of patients undergoing radical cystectomy for urothelial carcinoma of the bladder identified using our institutional database (2010–2022). Disease‐free survival (DFS) was evaluated as relapse or death due to any cause. Kaplan‐Meier analysis was used for DFS according to the follow‐up period. DFS was calculated in two groups neutrophil‐lymphocyte ratio (NLR) < 3 and NLR ≥ 3. Log‐rank test was used for comparison between groups and p < 0.05 was considered statistically significant.

Results

In the study, 91 patients were examined. The median age was 61.0 (34–79). 57.1% of the patients were T (1–2) and 42.9% were T (3–4). The lymph node (LN) was negative in 78% and positive in 22%. Median follow‐up time and DFS were 53.4 months and 54%, respectively. The median NLR was 2.8 (0.8–8.7). For DFS, there was a significant difference according to age, T stage, and LN status (p: 0.048, 0.019, and 0.040). There was no significant difference in the NLR in terms of DFS at the time of diagnosis (p: 0.654). In follow‐ups; While there was no difference in the NLR for DFS 12 months before recurrence (p: 0.231), there was a significant difference 6 months before the relapse and at the time of recurrence (p: 0.023 and 0.031).

Conclusion

The change in the NLR before radiological recurrence in bladder cancer is significant in predicting recurrence. Prospective and multi‐center research is needed to confirm our findings.
Post‐radiation middle ear effusion in NPC patients: Analysis of patient, tumour, and radiation factors
Authors: Vainer Igor , Tzelnick Sharon , Kurman Noga , Popovtzer Aron , Soudry Ethan
Published: April 2024

Objective

The purpose of this study was to investigate whether patient, tumour and radiation therapy factors are associated with development of middle ear effusion (MEE) in nasopharyngeal carcinoma (NPC) patients.

Deign, Settings, and Participants

A retrospective review of NPC patients treated between January 2000 and June 2018 at Rabin Medical Center.

Patient factors, tumour factors, radiation doses, and radiation fields were collected and outlined if needed (middle ear, eustachian tube [ET], tensor veli palatini [TVP], and levator palatini [LVP] muscles), then analysed and compared between patients with MEE and those without and between sides in patients with unilateral MEE.

Main Outcome Measures and Results

Seventy‐three patients were enrolled. Most were males (71.2%) with advanced‐stage diseases (78%). At the time of diagnosis 14 patients (19.2%) presented with MEE. Following radiation, 18 patients, with no evidence of MEE at presentation, developed MEE. Tumour stage, histology, and laterality were not associated with development of MEE. Comparison of mean radiation field dosages including—gross target volume, clinical target volume, and patient target volume showed no association with post‐radiation MEE. In addition, no difference was found in the radiation doses to the middle ear, ET or the LVP nor the TVP between ears with and without MEE.

Conclusions

Post‐irradiation MEE remains a common adverse effect in NPC patients. Surprisingly, tumour stage, tumour laterality, and histology were not associated with MEE. Similar findings were observed for total radiation doses and specific doses to the middle ear, ET, and ET muscles.
Mortalität, prognostische Parameter und Behandlungsstrategien bei Mycosis fungoides
Authors: Porkert Stefanie , Griss Johannes , Hudelist‐Venz Mercedes , Steiner Irene , Valencak Julia , Weninger Wolfgang , Brunner Patrick M. , Jonak Constanze
Published: April 2024

Hintergrund und Ziele

Mycosis fungoides (MF), das häufigste primär kutane T‐ Zell‐Lymphom, ist durch einen variablen klinischen Verlauf charakterisiert. Dieser ist entweder indolent oder infaust bei Progression mit extrakutaner Beteiligung. Das Fehlen von Prognosemodellen bei überwiegend palliativen Therapiemodalitäten erschweren das Patientenmanagement. Ziel dieser Studie war es, Überlebensraten, Treffsicherheit von verfügbaren Prognosemodellen und den Therapieerfolg bei MF‐Patienten zu evaluieren.

Patienten und Methodik

Hundertvierzig MF‐Patienten wurden retrospektiv untersucht. Prognose, Krankheitsprogression beziehungsweise Überlebensraten wurden anhand univariater Cox‐ Regressionsmodellen und Kaplan‐Meier‐ Schätzungen analysiert.

Ergebnisse

Hauttumoren waren im Vergleich zu Erythrodermie mit einem kürzeren progressionsfreien Überleben und Gesamtüberleben sowie einem 3,48‐fach erhöhtem Risiko für Krankheitsprogression verbunden. Der Cutaneous Lymphoma International Prognostic Index identifizierte Risikopatienten lediglich im frühen Krankheitsstadium. Zudem waren die Expression von Ki‐67 > 20%, CD30 > 10%, CD20+ und CD7– unabhängig vom Krankheitsstadium mit einem signifikant schlechteren Outcome verbunden. Eine langfristige Krankheitskontrolle wurde lediglich mit Interferon‐α als Monotherapie oder durch Kombination von Phototherapie mit Interferon‐α oder Retinoiden/Bexaroten erreicht.

Schlussfolgerungen

Unsere Daten unterstützen die Vorhersagekraft von etablierten Prognoseparametern und ‐modellen bei MF. Zusätzlich wurden neue Parameter, die mit einer schlechten Prognose assoziiert sind, identifiziert. Prospektive Studien, die Prognoseindikatoren in Bezug auf Krankheitsstadium und Therapie synergistisch evaluieren sind erforderlich, um die Patientenbetreuung zu verbessern.
Rescue technique for basket impaction with a plastic stent, a rare complication of biliary inside stenting
Authors: Fujimori Nao , Ohno Akihisa , Ueda Keijiro
Published: April 2024

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Preparation and properties of in situ TiC/corundum–mullite electrically conductive ceramic
Authors: Jing Wenpeng , Ding Donghai , Xiao Guoqing , Jin Endong , Chong Xiaochuan , Ding Yudong , Gao Kaiqiang , Shi Xiaoqi
Published: April 2024

In situ TiC/corundum–mullite electrically conductive ceramics were prepared by carbon‐bed sintering method using bauxite, clay and Ti3SiC2 powders as raw materials. The phase composition, microstructure, shrinkage, apparent porosity, bulk density, compressive strength, and resistivity of samples were investigated. The X‐ray diffraction results indicate that the TiC is completely generated by desilicidation reaction of the Ti3SiC2 at 1 300°C. When the sintering temperature is 1 300°C and Ti3SiC2 powder addition is 22 wt.%, the properties of the sample are optimum, with a longitudinal shrinkage of 2.04%, a radial shrinkage of 2.56%, an apparent porosity of 19.01%, a bulk density of 2.53 g/cm3, a compressive strength of 181 MPa, and a resistivity of 267 Ω·cm. The electrically conductive phase TiC is connected into a complete electrically conductive network. The shrinkages of samples decrease with increasing sintering temperature, which indicates that the samples expand due to secondary mullitization. The continuous electrically conductive network of TiC is destroyed. As the Ti3SiC2 powder addition increases from 14 to 20 wt.%, the resistivity of the samples decreases significantly, but the further increase in the Ti3SiC2 powder addition has no significant effect on the resistivity.
Effect of concentration of Er3+ on up‐conversion luminescence in NaYF4 containing oxy‐fluoride glass‐ceramics
Authors: He Zhengxu , Gao Yuan , Ren Jing , Chen Jiayuan , Qiu Jianbei
Published: April 2024

The color of micro‐structured glass can be tuned by adjusting the cross‐relaxation between Er3+ ions through the mechanism of up‐conversion, although the range of color change is very limited. Here, we report the simple and reproducible synthesis of transparent oxy‐fluoride glass‐ceramics co‐doped with Yb3+/Er3+ by melting and secondary heat treatment. By adjusting the doping content of Er3+ ions from 0.2 to 10 mol%, followed by the secondary heat treatment, the intensity of up‐conversion luminescence under 980 nm laser excitation was increased by more than 100 times, and the glass‐ceramics showed an Er3+ doping content‐depended color change of the up‐conversion luminescence from green light to red light. The elemental analysis with TEM–EDS mapping and the measurement of the lifetime of up‐conversion luminescence suggest that changes in the cross‐relaxation between Er3+ ions is the principal mechanism behind the color change of up‐conversion luminescence. As a result, the red emission due to the electronic transition of 4F9/2 is much greater than that of the green emission (4S3/2). Therefore, we present a simple and reproducible strategy to achieve an efficient up‐conversion luminescence from glass‐ceramics with a broad range of color tunability and high color purity.
Diagnostic accuracy of non‐invasive tests to screen for at‐risk MASH—An individual participant data meta‐analysis
Authors: Mózes Ferenc E. , Lee Jenny A. , Vali Yasaman , Selvaraj Emmanuel A. , Jayaswal Arjun N. A. , Boursier Jérôme , de Lédinghen Victor , Lupșor‐Platon Monica , Yilmaz Yusuf , Chan Wah‐Kheong , Mahadeva Sanjiv , Karlas Thomas , Wiegand Johannes , Shalimar  , Tsochatzis Emmanouil , Liguori Antonio , Wong Vincent Wai‐Sun , Lee Dae Ho , Holleboom Adriaan G. , van Dijk Anne‐Marieke , Mak Anne Linde , Hagström Hannes , Akbari Camilla , Hirooka Masashi , Lee Dong Hyeon , Kim Won , Okanoue Takeshi , Shima Toshihide , Nakajima Atsushi , Yoneda Masato , Thuluvath Paul J. , Li Feng , Berzigotti Annalisa , Mendoza Yuly P. , Noureddin Mazen , Truong Emily , Fournier‐Poizat Céline , Geier Andreas , Tuthill Theresa , Yunis Carla , Anstee Quentin M. , Harrison Stephen A. , Bossuyt Patrick M. , Pavlides Michael
Published: April 2024

Background & Aims

There is a need to reduce the screen failure rate (SFR) in metabolic dysfunction‐associated steatohepatitis (MASH) clinical trials (MASH+F2‐3; MASH+F4) and identify people with high‐risk MASH (MASH+F2‐4) in clinical practice. We aimed to evaluate non‐invasive tests (NITs) screening approaches for these target conditions.

Methods

This was an individual participant data meta‐analysis for the performance of NITs against liver biopsy for MASH+F2‐4, MASH+F2‐3 and MASH+F4. Index tests were the FibroScan‐AST (FAST) score, liver stiffness measured using vibration‐controlled transient elastography (LSM‐VCTE), the fibrosis‐4 score (FIB‐4) and the NAFLD fibrosis score (NFS). Area under the receiver operating characteristics curve (AUROC) and thresholds including those that achieved 34% SFR were reported.

Results

We included 2281 unique cases. The prevalence of MASH+F2‐4, MASH+F2‐3 and MASH+F4 was 31%, 24% and 7%, respectively. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F2‐4 were .78, .75, .68 and .57 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F2‐3 were .73, .67, .60, .58 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. Area under the receiver operating characteristics curves for MASH+F4 were .79, .84, .81, .76 for FAST, LSM‐VCTE, FIB‐4 and NFS. The sequential combination of FIB‐4 and LSM‐VCTE for the detection of MASH+F2‐3 with threshold of .7 and 3.48, and 5.9 and 20 kPa achieved SFR of 67% and sensitivity of 60%, detecting 15 true positive cases from a theoretical group of 100 participants at the prevalence of 24%.

Conclusions

Sequential combinations of NITs do not compromise diagnostic performance and may reduce resource utilisation through the need of fewer LSM‐VCTE examinations.
Nation‐states in a Prisoner's Dilemma with climate change: Applying Edith Stein's theory of the state
Authors: Kekki Minna‐Kerttu M
Published: April 2024

To get a better picture of the relation between nationalism and global environmental problems within the state‐dominated situation, I present the inherent logic of international environmental politics as a version of the famous Prisoner's Dilemma. I argue that the same contingent bonds that relate the members of nations to their respective nation‐states are part of the contemporary difficulty of actually working together for the common good on the international level by creating exclusive feelings of solidarity—the ‘Prisoners’ of the Dilemma. To reveal the experiential background of nation‐states in this situation, I rephrase and apply Edith Stein's theory of the state as a collective entity. Stein was an inter‐war political philosopher who is now mainly read within religious studies and philosophy of mind. As my argument implies, her work also has relevance for further affect nationalism studies.
Bridging the gap: Innovating undergraduate public health nursing education through a service‐learning health fair project
Authors: Brennan Kandyce , Woodley Lisa , Winstead Cara
Published: April 2024

Amidst a critical shortage of registered nurses, nursing schools are aiming to expand enrollment while working with ongoing resource constraints. Service‐learning clinical activities can enhance nursing education by improving clinical quality, addressing faculty and clinical site shortages, and meeting increasing enrollment demands. This paper describes a health fair experience that served as a service‐learning clinical experience within an undergraduate public health nursing course. The experience bridged theoretical knowledge with real‐world application, fostering competency‐based learning and addressing community health needs, resulting in a positive impact on students, faculty, and the community.
Biceps femoris long head muscle and aponeurosis geometry in males with and without a history of hamstring strain injury
Authors: Lazarczuk Stephanie L. , Collings Tyler J. , Hams Andrea H. , Timmins Ryan G. , Opar David A. , Edwards Suzi , Shield Anthony J. , Barrett Rod S. , Bourne Matthew N.
Published: April 2024

Objectives

Hamstring strain injuries (HSIs) commonly affect the proximal biceps femoris long head (BFlh) musculotendinous junction. Biomechanical modeling suggests narrow proximal BFlh aponeuroses and large muscle‐to‐aponeurosis width ratios increase localized tissue strains and presumably risk of HSI. This study aimed to determine if BFlh muscle and proximal aponeurosis geometry differed between limbs with and without a history of HSI.

Methods

Twenty‐six recreationally active males with (n = 13) and without (n = 13) a history of unilateral HSI in the last 24 months underwent magnetic resonance imaging of both thighs. BFlh muscle and proximal aponeurosis cross‐sectional areas, length, volume, and interface area between muscle and aponeurosis were extracted. Previously injured limbs were compared to uninjured contralateral and control limbs for discrete variables and ratios, and along the relative length of tissues using statistical parametric mapping.

Results

Previously injured limbs displayed significantly smaller muscle‐to‐aponeurosis volume ratios (p = 0.029, Wilcoxon effect size (ES) = 0.43) and larger proximal BFlh aponeurosis volumes (p = 0.019, ES = 0.46) than control limbs with no history of HSI. No significant differences were found between previously injured and uninjured contralateral limbs for any outcome measure (p = 0.216–1.000, ES = 0.01–0.36).

Conclusions

Aponeurosis geometry differed between limbs with and without a history of HSI. The significantly larger BFlh proximal aponeuroses and smaller muscle‐to‐aponeurosis volume ratios in previously injured limbs could alter the strain experienced in muscle adjacent to the musculotendinous junction during active lengthening. Future research is required to determine if geometric differences influence the risk of re‐injury and whether they can be altered via targeted training.
Yield‐related quantitative trait loci identification and lint percentage hereditary dissection under salt stress in upland cotton
Authors: Guo Anhui , Li Huijing , Huang Yi , Ma Xiaoqing , Li Bin , Du Xiaoqi , Cui Yanan , Zhao Nan , Hua Jinping
Published: April 2024

Salinity is frequently mentioned as a major constraint in worldwide agricultural production. Lint percentage (LP) is a crucial yield‐component in cotton lint production. While the genetic factors affect cotton yield in saline soils are still unclear. Here, we employed a recombinant inbred line population in upland cotton (Gossypium hirsutum L.) and investigated the effects of salt stress on five yield and yield component traits, including seed cotton yield per plant, lint yield per plant, boll number per plant, boll weight, and LP. Between three datasets of salt stress (E1), normal growth (E2), and the difference values dataset of salt stress and normal conditions (D‐value), 87, 82, and 55 quantitative trait loci (QTL) were detectable, respectively. In total, five QTL (qLY‐Chr6‐2, qBNP‐Chr4‐1, qBNP‐Chr12‐1, qBNP‐Chr15‐5, qLP‐Chr19‐2) detected in both in E1 and D‐value were salt related QTL, and three stable QTL (qLP‐Chr5‐3, qLP‐Chr13‐1, qBW‐Chr5‐5) were detected both in E1 and E2 across 3 years. Silencing of nine genes within a stable QTL (qLP‐Chr5‐3) highly expressed in fiber developmental stages increased LP and decreased fiber length (FL), indicating that multiple minor‐effect genes clustered on Chromosome 5 regulate LP and FL. Additionally, the difference in LP caused by Gh_A05G3226 is mainly in transcription level rather than in the sequence difference. Moreover, silencing of salt related gene (GhDAAT) within qBNP‐Chr4‐1 decreased salt tolerance in cotton. Our findings shed light on the regulatory mechanisms underlining cotton salt tolerance and fiber initiation.