bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Interorganizational networks in response to the critical infrastructure breakdown: case of the 2018 KT network blackout
Authors: Choi NakHyeok , Kim KyungWoo
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to demonstrate how governmental authorities can take interorganizational network responses to address unexpected situations developed by the breakdown of critical infrastructure, such as communication failure in a hyperconnected society.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses social network analysis to investigate the performance of interorganizational response networks regarding the 2018 KT network blackout, a failure of telecommunication facility, compared to the planned network.

Findings

The national fire agency was the most prominent actor in the actual interorganizational network, while the actor was not significant in the planned network in addressing unexpected needs. Moreover, top government authorities were involved in the actual response network because of the national attention on the breakdown of the infrastructure as a focusing event.

Originality/value

Unexpected conditions in the actual response to a technological disaster, such as a critical infrastructure (CI) breakdown, require the involvement of emerging or non-significant actors in accordance with the findings related to other types of disasters. Particularly, communication failure in a hyperconnected society may involve prominent government authorities in the actual interorganizational response because of the event's broad and severe impact on the functions of society.
An optimal wavelet transform grey multivariate convolution model to forecast electricity demand: a novel approach
Authors: Sapnken Flavian Emmanuel , Hamaidi Mohammed , Hamed Mohammad M. , Hassane Abdelhamid Issa , Tamba Jean Gaston
Published: November 2023

Purpose

For some years now, Cameroon has seen a significant increase in its electricity demand, and this need is bound to grow within the next few years owing to the current economic growth and the ambitious projects underway. Therefore, one of the state's priorities is the mastery of electricity demand. In order to get there, it would be helpful to have reliable forecasting tools. This study proposes a novel version of the discrete grey multivariate convolution model (ODGMC(1,N)).

Design/methodology/approach

Specifically, a linear corrective term is added to its structure, parameterisation is done in a way that is consistent to the modelling procedure and the cumulated forecasting function of ODGMC(1,N) is obtained through an iterative technique.

Findings

Results show that ODGMC(1,N) is more stable and can extract the relationships between the system's input variables. To demonstrate and validate the superiority of ODGMC(1,N), a practical example drawn from the projection of electricity demand in Cameroon till 2030 is used. The findings reveal that the proposed model has a higher prediction precision, with 1.74% mean absolute percentage error and 132.16 root mean square error.

Originality/value

These interesting results are due to (1) the stability of ODGMC(1,N) resulting from a good adequacy between parameters estimation and their implementation, (2) the addition of a term that takes into account the linear impact of time t on the model's performance and (3) the removal of irrelevant information from input data by wavelet transform filtration. Thus, the suggested ODGMC is a robust predictive and monitoring tool for tracking the evolution of electricity needs.
“Are we there yet?” 25 years of reform (and reform, and reform, and reform) of teacher education in Australia
Authors: Mockler Nicole
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to explore the reform of initial teacher education (ITE) policy in Australia over a 25-year period from 1998 to 2023. It examines policy shifts and movements over this timeframe and aims to better understand the ongoing reforms in the changing contexts of their times.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper engages a critical policy historiography approach, focusing on four “policy moments” each linked to a review commissioned by the Commonwealth government of the day. It draws upon the reports and government responses themselves, along with media reports, extracts from Hansard, and ministerial speeches, press releases and interviews related to each of the four policy moments, asking critical questions about the “public issues” and “private troubles” (Gale, 2001) of each moment and aiming to shed light on the complexities of these accounts of policy and the trajectory they represent.

Findings

The paper charts the construction of the problem of ITE in Australia over time, highlighting the discursive continuities and shifts since 1998. It traces the constitution of both policy problems and solutions to explain the current policy settlement using a historical lens.

Originality/value

Its value lies in offering a reading of the current policy settlement, based on a close and systematic historical analysis. Where previous research has focused either on particular moments or concepts in ITE reform, this analysis seeks to understand the current policy settlement by taking a longer, contextualised view.
How entrepreneurial environment and education influence university students' entrepreneurial intentions: the mediating role of entrepreneurial motivation
Authors: Chahal Jyoti , Shoukat Muhammad Haroon , Ayoubi Rami
Published: November 2023

Purpose

Underpinned by social cognitive and ecological systems theories, this research explored higher education students' entrepreneurial intentions (EI). It begins by exploring how various factors, including entrepreneurship education (EE), entrepreneurial motivation (EM) and entrepreneurial environment (EENV), contribute to the evolution of EI of students. Second, it examines the role of EM as an underlying mechanism between EE-EI and EENV-EI. Finally, this research explores how EENV moderates the EM and EI relationship.

Design/methodology/approach

The data were gathered from 366 college students pursuing higher education around India using a convenience sample technique. Partial least square structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied to SmartPLSv.3.3.9 software to analyze the data.

Findings

A direct relationship was found between EE, EENV and EM with EI. Moreover, this research found a partial mediation of EM between EENV-EI and EE-EI paths. Also, the results show that EENV strengthens the link between EM and EI links.

Practical implications

This study offers valuable insights that can guide government agencies and higher education institutions (HEIs) in reshaping the landscape of entrepreneurial education at the university level. This transformation encompasses the integration of work-based learning experiences as a conduit for equipping students with tangible skills and exposing them to the realities of entrepreneurship in the real world.

Originality/value

This research considerably contributes to the current literature on entrepreneurship at HEIs by merging social cognitive and ecological systems theories. This research is a pioneering input to examine the underlying mechanism of entrepreneurial motivation between EENV, EE and EI.
A systems thinking approach to e-learning on climate change: capacity-building for junior high school teachers in the Philippines
Authors: Ignacio John Trixstan Santos , Gotangco Gonzales Charlotte Kendra , Lee-Chua Queena
Published: November 2023

Purpose

A mixed-method study was performed to determine the impact of integrating systems thinking (ST) into an electronic learning module for junior high school teachers in the Philippines. The study aims to assess how an ST approach to pedagogy compared against a conventional approach in terms of contribution to the participants’ global climate change content knowledge, holistic thinking and depth and accuracy of knowledge and reasoning.

Design/methodology/approach

The study implemented e-learning modules using an ST approach versus a conventional approach in teaching climate science to junior high school teachers. The paper presents quantitative data obtained from pre and posttests results of the 20 teacher-participants and qualitative data obtained during the focus-group discussion (FGD) after the implementation of the study.

Findings

The results from the statistical analysis indicated that the ST group obtained a significant increase in their assessment scores compared to the non-ST group, according to predetermined criteria. Content knowledge, depth and accuracy of knowledge and reasoning increased the most. The participants mentioned during the FGD that the module helped deepen their understanding of climate change.

Research limitations/implications

The study was limited to 20 teacher-participants, but it has relevance for public school teachers in the country given that participants had raised concerns regarding the lack of training in their schools for teaching climate science. They admitted that they lacked critical information to include in climate change topics in their classes.

Originality/value

This paper shows how the ST approach can be used to teach climate change to junior high students. The e-learning module can provide teachers with better understanding, knowledge and reasoning to teach climate change to high school students more effectively.
Barriers to entrepreneurship: an intersectional analysis of an early-stage refugee entrepreneurship programme in the United Kingdom
Authors: Salmon Udeni , Singleton Ann
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The study deploys Anthias' intersectional framework of social spaces and her concept of translocational positionality to explore the barriers to entrepreneurship for refugee entrepreneurs in the United Kingdom (UK). In particular, the study aims to assess how migrant identities require a specific form of business support.

Design/methodology/approach

A total of 32 semi-structured interviews with 14 refugee entrepreneurs and 18 business support agents were conducted between April and October 2022 and, together with field notes, were combined for thematic analysis in NVivo 12.

Findings

Organisational, representational, intersubjective and experiential barriers combined to create practical and psychological deterrents to entrepreneurship for refugees. However, an explicitly humanistic and de-centred approach to business support was (partially) able to counter such barriers.

Practical implications

Policymakers and business support agencies should consider intersectional characteristics and the importance of a compassionate and individual approach when designing business support programmes for refugee entrepreneurs.

Originality/value

Two intersectional concepts of social spaces and translocational positionality are brought into conversation with each other, creating a novel approach to framing the barriers to entrepreneurship for refugees.
Key factors influencing the sustained growth of high-tech SMEs in South Korea: the perspectives of founder owner-managers
Authors: Park Chongryol , McQuaid Ronald , Mawson Suzanne
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper explores key factors influencing high-performing, sustained growth, high-tech small- and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) in South Korea.

Design/methodology/approach

A qualitative study is adopted to explore seventeen founder owner-managers of high-tech SMEs who sustained consistent employment growth, greater than the industry average, for seven years. Within the sample, those with higher (10% or over) employment compound annual growth rates (CAGRs) over this period are also compared to those with lower rates.

Findings

The study suggests that proactive approaches, such as flexible organization, risk management, fast decision-making and international market entry, are seen as important contributing factors to sustained growth. These findings contribute to a better theoretical and empirical understanding of sustained high-tech SME growth, in a country with a strong entrepreneurial and internationally competitive information technology sector. Also, collaboration across the SME was perceived as making an important contribution to staff development and growth, consistent with stewardship theory.

Research limitations/implications

The sample is based on successful high-tech SMEs, so there are limitations in extrapolating results to other types of firms, sectors or countries.

Practical implications

Key factors identified in this study can be considered by entrepreneurs seeking to achieve sustainable business. These also provide improved understanding for policymakers into the complexity of factors related to sustained and high growth of technology-based SMEs, which many countries are keen to foster to aid national economic growth.

Originality/value

The research provides new evidence exploring the diverse perspectives of founder owner-managers, on the sustained growth and failure in South Korean high-tech SMEs, and how these have changed since the inception of their business.
Teachers' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation as mediators of the effect of principals' perceived distributed leadership on organizational learning capability
Authors: Berkovich Izhak , Hassan Tahani
Published: November 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study was to investigate the mediating role of teachers' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the relationship between principals' perceived distributed leadership and organizational learning capability in schools.

Design/methodology/approach

The study employs a quantitative research design and a survey methodology. Data were collected from 400 teachers in Bahrain.

Findings

The results reveal that teachers' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation fully mediates the relationship between principals' perceived distributed leadership and organizational learning capability in schools.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on distributed leadership, organizational learning and motivation by highlighting the important mediating role of teachers' intrinsic and extrinsic motivation in the relationship between principals' perceived distributed leadership and organizational learning capability. The study also has practical implications for school administrators by suggesting that distributed leadership practices can be an effective strategy for promoting organizational learning capability in schools.
Teacher educator learning to implement equitable mathematics teaching using technology through lesson study
Authors: Huang Rongjin , Bonnesen Christopher T. , Heath Amanda Lake , Suh Jennifer M.
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This paper examines how mathematics teacher educators (MTEs) learn to enact equitable mathematics instruction using technology through lesson study (LS).

Design/methodology/approach

A LS team with three MTEs conducted three iterations of LS on teaching the Pythagorean Theorem in an in-person, technology-mediated environment. Many forms of data were collected: Desmos activities, videos of research lessons (RLs), videos of MTE RL debriefings, artifacts of student learning in the Desmos Dashboard, and MTEs' written self-reflection. The authors investigate the teacher educators' learning through LS by analyzing the MTE debriefings of the RLs using Bannister’s (2015) framework for teacher learning in communities of practice.

Findings

The MTEs learned to enact equitable mathematics instruction using technology through addressing emerging issues related to intellectual authority and use of student thinking. Throughout the LS, the MTEs sought ways of promoting students' mathematical authority and using student thinking through features of the Desmos platform.

Research limitations/implications

This study focuses on MTEs' learning without examining participating preservice teachers' learning. It demonstrates the benefits of LS for MTEs' professional learning.

Practical implications

This study showcases how a research-based Desmos activity is used and refined to promote MTE learning how to implement equitable mathematics instruction.

Originality/value

The study contributes to better understanding of how LS could be used to develop MTEs' professional learning. Moreover, the dual process of participation and reification was concretized through diagnostic and prognostic frames in the LS context, which enriches the concept of community of practice.
Energy model based sensorless estimation method for operational temperature of braking resistor onboard metro vehicles
Authors: Zhao Leiting , Liu Kan , Liu Donghui , Jin Zheming
Published: November 2023

Purpose

This study aims to improve the availability of regenerative braking for urban metro vehicles by introducing a sensorless operational temperature estimation method for the braking resistor (BR) onboard the vehicle, which overcomes the vulnerability of having conventional temperature sensor.

Design/methodology/approach

In this study, the energy model based sensorless estimation method is developed. By analyzing the structure and the convection dissipation process of the BR onboard the vehicle, the energy-based operational temperature model of the BR and its cooling domain is established. By adopting Newton's law of cooling and the law of conservation of energy, the energy and temperature dynamic of the BR can be stated. To minimize the use of all kinds of sensors (including both thermal and electrical), a novel regenerative braking power calculation method is proposed, which involves only the voltage of DC traction network and the duty cycle of the chopping circuit; both of them are available for the traction control unit (TCU) of the vehicle. By utilizing a real-time iterative calculation and updating the parameter of the energy model, the operational temperature of the BR can be obtained and monitored in a sensorless manner.

Findings

In this study, a sensorless estimation/monitoring method of the operational temperature of BR is proposed. The results show that it is possible to utilize the existing electrical sensors that is mandatory for the traction unit’s operation to estimate the operational temperature of BR, instead of adding dedicated thermal sensors. The results also validate the effectiveness of the proposal is acceptable for the engineering practical.

Originality/value

The proposal of this study provides novel concepts for the sensorless operational temperature monitoring of BR onboard rolling stocks. The proposed method only involves quasi-global electrical variable and the internal control signal within the TCU.
Assessing hybrid vigour using the thermal sensitivity of physiological trade‐offs in tiger salamanders
Authors: Burger Isabella J. , Carter Evin T. , Magner Lexie M. , Muñoz Martha M. , Sears Michael W. , Fitzpatrick Benjamin M. , Riddell Eric A.
Published: November 2023

Hybridization between species affects biodiversity and population sustainability in numerous ways, many of which depend on the fitness of the hybrid relative to the parental species. Hybrids can exhibit fitter phenotypes compared to the parental lineages, and this ‘hybrid vigour’ can then lead to the extinction of one or both parental lines.

In this study, we analysed the relationship between water loss and gas exchange to compare physiological performance among three tiger salamander genotypes—the native California tiger salamander (CTS), the invasive barred tiger salamanders (BTS) and CTS × BTS hybrids across multiple temperatures (13.5°C, 20.5°C and 23.5°C). We developed a new index of performance, the water‐gas exchange ratio (WGER), which we define as the ratio of gas exchange to evaporative water loss (μL VO2/μL H2O). The ratio describes the ability of an organism to support energetically costly activities with high levels of gas exchange while simultaneously limiting water loss to lower desiccation risk. We used flow through respirometry to measure the thermal sensitivity of metabolic rate and resistance to water loss of each salamander genotype to compare indices of physiological performance.

We found that temperature had a significant effect on metabolic rate and resistance to water loss, with both traits increasing as temperatures warmed. Across genotypes, we found that hybrids have a higher WGER than the native CTS, owing to a higher metabolic rate despite having a lower resistance to water loss.

These results provide a greater insight into the physiological mechanisms driving hybrid vigour and offer a potential explanation for the rapid spread of salamander hybrids. More broadly, our introduction of the WGER may allow for species‐ or lineage‐wide comparisons of physiological performance across changing environmental conditions, highlighting the insight that can be gleaned from multitrait analysis of organism performance.

Read the free Plain Language Summary for this article on the Journal blog.
Sensitivity study of the critical angle in elastic orthorhombic media
Authors: Xu Shibo , Stovas Alexey
Published: November 2023

The critical angle plays a crucial role in data processing for refraction seismology. In the context of three‐dimensional data, the critical angle exhibits azimuthal dependence, particularly in the presence of an anisotropic model. In this paper, we propose a method to determine the critical angle (phase angle) and analyse the sensitivity of the critical angle to the model parameters and the available azimuthal range for both transversely isotropic medium with a vertical symmetry axis and orthorhombic models. For more complex orthorhombic models, the critical angle can be computed while considering changes in azimuth. In a numerical example, we apply sensitivity analysis to examine the existence of the critical angle and determine its corresponding values to variations in model parameters and the azimuthal range. Additionally, we conduct computations of the critical angle for the simplified acoustic and elliptical orthorhombic models. This analysis can be extended to encompass all model parameters for different wave modes (pure and converted waves), and they provide generalized predictions for the available range of data in seismic data processing applications.
Effect of selection genotype on immune response toBrucella abortus RB51in Holstein cattle
Authors: Sarlo Davila Kaitlyn M. , Boggiatto Paola , Olsen Steven , Lippolis John D. , Crooker Brian A. , Putz Ellie J.
Published: November 2023

Genetic selection for milk production traits in US Holsteins has affected numerous genes associated with reproduction and immunity. This study compares the transcriptomic response of peripheral blood mononuclear cells to an in vitroBrucella abortusstrain RB51 (RB51) bacterial challenge between contemporary Holsteins and Holsteins that have not been selected for milk production traits since the mid‐1960s. Total RNA was extracted from peripheral blood mononuclear cells from four contemporary and four unselected lactating, primiparous cows following 24‐h incubation with or without stimulation with RB51 bacteria. RNA was sequenced and reads analyzed using tools fromgalaxy.scinet.usda.gov. A total of 412 differentially expressed genes (false discovery ratep < 0.05, log fold change > |1|) were identified. The upregulated genes (genes with higher expression in contemporary than unselected cattle) were enriched for 19 terms/pathways, including alanine, aspartate, and glutamate metabolism, indicating a cellular stress response. Downregulated genes (genes with higher expression in unselected than contemporary cows) were enriched for 37 terms/pathways, representing diverse immune responses, including natural killer cell‐mediated immunity, interferon‐γ production, negative regulation of interleukin‐10 production, and cytokine receptor activity indicating a broad immune response with an emphasis on immune defense. These results provide evidence that differences exist between the two genotypes in response to in vitro bacterial challenge. This suggests that contemporary cows, genetically selected for milk production, may have reduced immune function, including limitations in response to intracellular bacteria.
Time trends in preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in Denmark and Alberta, Canada, 2005–2018—A population‐based cohort study
Authors: Lihme Frederikke , Savu Ana , Basit Saima , Sia Winnie , Yeung Rose , Barrett Olesya , Luoma Leiah , Ngwezi Deliwe P. , Davidge Sandra , Norris Colleen M. , Ospina Maria B. , Cooke Christy‐Lynn , Greiner Russ , Wohlfahrt Jan , Melbye Mads , Lykke Jacob , Kaul Padma , Boyd Heather A.
Published: November 2023

Introduction

Preeclampsia and gestational diabetes mellitus share risk factors such as obesity and increased maternal age, which have become more prevalent in recent decades. We examined changes in the prevalence of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes between 2005 and 2018 in Denmark and Alberta, Canada, and investigated whether the observed trends can be explained by changes in maternal age, parity, multiple pregnancy, comorbidity, and body mass index (BMI) over time.

Material and methods

This study was a register‐based cohort study conducted using data from the Danish National Health Registers and the provincial health registers of Alberta, Canada. We included in the study cohort all pregnancies in 2005–2018 resulting in live‐born infants and used binomial regression to estimate mean annual increases in the prevalence of preeclampsia and gestational diabetes in the two populations across the study period, adjusted for maternal characteristics.

Results

The study cohorts included 846 127 (Denmark) and 706 728 (Alberta) pregnancies. The prevalence of preeclampsia increased over the study period in Denmark (2.5% to 2.9%) and Alberta (1.7% to 2.5%), with mean annual increases of 0.03 (95% confidence interval [CI] 0.02–0.04) and 0.06 (95% CI 0.05–0.07) percentage points, respectively. The prevalence of gestational diabetes also increased in Denmark (1.9% to 4.6%) and Alberta (3.9% to 9.2%), with average annual increases of 0.20 (95% CI 0.19–0.21) and 0.44 (95% CI 0.42–0.45) percentage points. Changes in the distributions of maternal age and BMI contributed to increases in the prevalence of both conditions but could not explain them entirely.

Conclusions

The prevalence of both preeclampsia and gestational diabetes increased significantly from 2005 to 2018, which portends future increases in chronic disease rates among affected women. Increasing demand for long‐term follow up and care will amplify the existing pressure on healthcare systems.
Kernel extreme learning with harmonized bat algorithm for prediction of pyrene toxicity in rats
Authors: Su Hang , Zhao Dong , Heidari Ali Asghar , Cai Zhennao , Chen Huiling , Zhu Jiayin
Published: November 2023

Polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons (PAHs) are organic pollutants and manufactured substances conferring toxicity to human health. The present study investigated whether pyrene, a type of PAH, harms rats. Our research provides an effective feature selection strategy for the animal dataset from Wenzhou Medical University's Experimental Animal Center to thoroughly examine the impacts of PAH toxicity on rat features. Initially, we devised a high‐performance optimization method (SCBA) and added the Sobol sequence, vertical crossover and horizontal crossover mechanisms to the bat algorithm (BA). The SCBA‐KELM model, which combines SCBA with the kernel extreme learning machine model (KELM), has excellent accuracy and high stability for selecting features. Benchmark function tests are then used in this research to verify the overall optimization performance of SCBA. In this paper, the feature selection performance of SCBA‐KELM is verified using various comparative experiments. According to the results, the features of the genes PXR, CAR, CYP2B1/2 and CYP1A1/2 have the most impact on rats. The SCBA‐KELM model's classification performance for the gene dataset was 100%, and the model's precision value for the public dataset was around 96%, as determined by the classification index. In conclusion, the model utilized in this research is anticipated to be a reliable and valuable approach for toxicological classification and assessment.
Cerebral palsy registers around the world: A survey
Authors: Goldsmith Shona , Smithers‐Sheedy Hayley , Almasri Nihad , Andersen Guro L. , Diviney Leanne , Gincota Ecaterina Bufteac , Himmelmann Kate , Jahan Israt , Waight Emma , McIntyre Sarah
Published: November 2023

Aim

To provide a description of cerebral palsy (CP) registers globally, identify which aim to report on CP epidemiology, and report similarities and differences across topics of importance for the sustainability and collaboration between registers.

Method

Representatives of all known CP registers globally (n = 57) were invited to participate. The online survey included 68 questions across aims, methodologies, output/impact, and stakeholder involvement. Responses were analysed using descriptive statistics.

Results

Forty‐five registers participated, including three register networks. Twenty were newly established or under development, including 12 in low‐ and middle‐income countries (LMICs). An epidemiological aim was reported by 91% of registers. Funding is received by 85% of registers, most often from not‐for‐profit organizations. CP definitions are comparable across registers. While the minimum data set of a register network is used by most registers, only 25% of identified items are collected by all three register networks. Ninety per cent of registers measure research activities/output, and 64% measure research impact. People with lived experience are involved in 62% of registers.

Interpretation

There has been a recent surge in CP registers globally, particularly in LMICs, which will improve understanding of CP epidemiology. Ongoing efforts to address identified methodological differences are essential to validate comparison of results and support register collaboration.

What this paper adds

Cerebral palsy (CP) registers represent an increasing number of regions, including low‐ and middle‐income, worldwide.

Most registers collect the minimum data set of a CP register network.

Research activities/output and impact are measured by most registers.

The majority of registers involve people with lived experience in operation or research.
‘YourTube’ the role of different diets in gastrostomy‐fed children: Baseline findings from a prospective cohort study
Authors: Fraser Lorna K. , Bedendo Andre , O'neill Mark , Taylor Johanna , Hackett Julia , Horridge Karen , Cade Janet , Richardson Gerry , Phung Han , Mccarter Alison , Hewitt Catherine
Published: November 2023

Aim

To assess the risks, benefits, and resource implications of home‐blended food for children with gastrostomy tubes compared with a formula diet.

Method

This prospective cohort study of children (aged 0–18 years) collected baseline data on gastrointestinal symptoms, nutritional intake, anthropometric outcomes, parent and child quality of life, and resource use. A propensity score‐weighted generalized linear mixed model was used to compare children receiving a home‐blended versus formula diet.

Results

Baseline data were obtained for 180 children (2019–2021; 107 males, 73 females; mean age 9 years 7 months [SD  4 years 5 months]). Children receiving a home‐blended diet (n  = 104) had similar diagnoses and age but more lived in areas of lower deprivation and parental education was higher compared to the parents of children receiving a formula diet (n  = 76). Children receiving home‐blended diets had significantly better gastrointestinal scores than those receiving formula diets (B  = 13.8, p  < 0.001). The number of gut infections and tube blockages were similar between the two groups but with fewer stoma site infections in the group receiving home‐blended food. Children receiving a home‐blended diet had more fibre in their diet compared to children receiving a formula diet.

Interpretation

Home‐blended diets should be seen as a safe option for children who are gastrostomy‐fed unless clinically contraindicated. Equality of access to home‐blended diets for children with gastrostomy should be assessed by local clinical teams.

What this paper adds

Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had fewer gastrointestinal symptoms compared to children receiving a formula diet.

Children with gastrostomy receiving a home‐blended diet had no more complications than children receiving a formula diet.
Beinaglutide for weight management in Chinese individuals with overweight or obesity: A phase 3 randomized controlled clinical study
Authors: Chen Kang , Chen Li , Shan Zhongyan , Wang Guixia , Qu Shen , Qin Guijun , Yu Xuefeng , Xin Weiquan , Hsieh Tsung‐han , Mu Yiming
Published: November 2023

Aim

To investigate the efficacy and safety of beinaglutide as an adjunct to lifestyle intervention among non‐diabetic Chinese individuals with overweight or obesity.

Methods

This multicentre, randomized, double‐blind, placebo‐controlled trial (ChiCTR1900023428) included 427 Chinese adults with a body mass index of 28 kg/m2 or higher (obesity) or 24‐27.9 kg/m2 (overweight) with weight‐related complications. Patients were randomized in a 2:1 ratio to receive 0.2 mg of beinaglutide (subcutaneous) thrice daily or placebo for 16 weeks. Co‐primary endpoints were body weight change and the proportion of patients with a weight reduction of 5% or more.

Results

Mean body weight change from baseline to week 16 was −6.0% and −2.4% in the beinaglutide (n = 282) and placebo (n = 138) groups, respectively; the mixed model repeated measures difference was −3.6% (95% confidence interval: −4.6% to −2.6%; P < .0001). At week 16, more beinaglutide‐treated patients achieved a weight reduction of 5% or more (58.2% vs. 25.4% [placebo], odds ratio: 4.4; P < .0001) and of 10% or more (21.3% vs. 5.1% [placebo], odds ratio: 5.5; P < .0001). Beinaglutide also resulted in greater waist circumference reduction (difference: −1.81 cm; P < .01). The weight regain rate 12 weeks after beinaglutide treatment was 0.78%. Nausea (transient and mild‐to‐moderate) was the most common adverse event in the beinaglutide group (49.3% vs. 7.1% [placebo]). More patients receiving beinaglutide discontinued treatment because of adverse events (5.9% vs. 0.7% [placebo]). Pancreatitis or an increased resting heart rate was not observed in the beinaglutide group.

Conclusion

Beinaglutide combined with lifestyle intervention resulted in significant and clinically meaningful weight reduction with good tolerance in non‐diabetic Chinese individuals with overweight or obesity.
Development of advanced digital ecosystems at universities: A study comparing experiences from Ukraine, Poland and Slovakia
Authors: Morze Nataliia , Smyrnova‐Trybulska Eugenia , Drlík Martin , Buinytska Oksana
Published: November 2023

During the war, a significant number of Ukrainian universities were tragically destroyed, while others were relocated. The challenging wartime circumstances in which universities operate in Ukraine have increased the use of distance education. University management and academic staff agree that the quality of services offered hinges on the establishment of comprehensive open electronic student campuses. These online campuses will deliver educational content, but also innovative pedagogical technologies for fostering competency development. This can be used for competency development in the use of gamification techniques, promoting entrepreneurship and start‐ups, implementing project methodologies, leveraging research and cognitive technologies, as well as using digital tools for communication and collaboration, and employing formative assessment strategies. The objective of the study on which this article reports was to determine the university ecosystem model most amenable for providing high quality digital education. We describe and analyse current digital education ecosystem models and examine their implementation at three universities: (1) Borys Grinchenko Kyiv University (BGKU), Ukraine; (2) University of Silesia (US), Poland; and (3) Constantine the Philosopher University in Nitra (UKF), Slovakia. Both strengths and limitations of online campuses are outlined. Our analysis supports the development of key performance indicators to assess the development of university digital education ecosystems and establish the necessary and sufficient conditions for implementation. Insights gained from organising education in remote learning conditions in wartime Ukraine are valuable also for educators in other countries.
Valproate use associated with frontal and cerebellar gray matter volume reductions: A voxel‐based morphometry study
Authors: Shin Ji Hye , Song Min Ji , Kim Ji Hyun
Published: November 2023

Recent morphometric magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) studies suggested the possibility that valproate (VPA) use is associated with parieto‐occipital cortical thinning in patients with heterogeneous epilepsy syndromes. In this study, we examined the effect of VPA on the brain volume using a large number of homogenous patients with idiopathic generalized epilepsy. Voxel‐based morphometry was used to compare regional gray matter (GM) volume between 112 patients currently taking VPA (VPA+ group), 81 patients not currently taking VPA (VPA– group), and 120 healthy subjects (control group). The VPA+ group showed a significant GM volume reduction in the bilateral cerebellum, hippocampus, insula, caudate nucleus, medial frontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex, primary motor/premotor cortex, medial occipital cortex, and anteromedial thalamus, as compared to the control group. The VPA– group showed a significant GM volume reduction in the anteromedial thalamus and right hippocampus/temporal cortex, as compared to the control group. Compared to the VPA– group, the VPA+ group had a significant GM volume reduction in the bilateral cerebellum, primary motor/premotor cortex, and medial frontal cortex/anterior cingulate cortex. We have provided evidence that VPA use could result in GM volume reductions in the frontal cortex and cerebellum. Our findings should be acknowledged as a potential confounding factor in morphometric MRI studies that include subjects taking VPA.
PaaS platform security enhancement using fuzzy based access control and trust based signature
Authors: Pathakamuri Srinivasulu , Reddy B. V. Ramana , Kumar A. P. Siva
Published: November 2023

Platform‐as‐a‐Service (PaaS) is one of the cloud computing services which will be offered to the clients through the virtualization platform. The problem is constructed in the PaaS platform effectively excluding internet service suppliers which do not meet highly secure standards, and so security issues can be a significant a hurdle to online computation. To address the aforementioned issues, the suggested method primarily concentrated proceeding the safety of PaaS infrastructure by using a novel fuzzy based access control technique, in which the information source is realized by using CDO security feature. To further enhance the security, security using trust based signature has been used in which the class and packet filter for each specified authorization were mapped to our class by modifying the security feature code. This public key will be utilized for authenticate that transaction relevant signature if the identity provider (IdP) has provided public safety data about this same two major components represents this little token on whose trusted trademark components are built put, that is, the entire item or even the claims contained. The suggested technique outperforms other current methods in terms of several performance parameters, with a high throughput of 14, CPU utilization of 12.5, and a low execution time of 5.2 s. The proposed ‘PaaS platform security enhancement with the use of fuzzy and trust‐based signatures’ provides high throughput and low execution time. This research work proposes a novel approach to enhancing the security of PaaS infrastructure, which is offered to clients through the virtualization platform in cloud computing. The current problem with PaaS is that it excludes internet service providers that do not meet high‐security standards, which poses a significant challenge to online computation. The suggested approach focuses on improving the safety of the PaaS platform by employing a fuzzy‐based access control technique, using the connectionless data objects security feature as the information source. To further strengthen security, the approach utilizes a trust‐based signature technique where the class and packet filter for each authorization are mapped to the class of the proposed method by modifying the security feature code. The proposed public key is then used to authenticate the transaction relevant signature, provided the IdP has given public safety data about these two components of the token on which Trusted Trademark components are built, that is, the entire item or even the claims contained within it. The proposed approach outperforms current methods in terms of several performance parameters, such as a high throughput of 14, a high CPU utilization of 12.5, and a low execution time of 5.2 s. In summary, the proposed PaaS platform security enhancement using fuzzy and trust‐based signatures provides an effective way to achieve high throughput and low execution time while ensuring platform security.
Cytosolic phospholipase A2 regulates lipid homeostasis under osmotic stress through PPARγ
Authors: Parra Leandro Gastón , Erjavec Luciana Cecilia , Casali Cecilia Irene , Zerpa Velazquez Andrea , Weber Karen , Setton‐Avruj Clara Patricia , Fernández Tome María del Carmen
Published: November 2023

Physiologically, renal medullary cells are surrounded by a hyperosmolar interstitium. However, different pathological situations can induce abrupt changes in environmental osmolality, causing cell stress. Therefore, renal cells must adapt to survive in this new condition. We previously demonstrated that, among the mechanisms involved in osmoprotection, renal cells upregulate triglyceride biosynthesis (which helps preserve glycerophospholipid synthesis and membrane homeostasis) and cyclooxygenase‐2 (which generates prostaglandins from arachidonic acid) to maintain lipid metabolism in renal tissue. Herein, we evaluated whether hyperosmolality modulates phospholipase A2 (PLA2) activity, leading to arachidonic acid release from membrane glycerophospholipid, and investigated its possible role in hyperosmolality‐induced triglyceride synthesis and accumulation. We found that hyperosmolality induced PLA2 expression and activity in Madin‐Darby canine kidney cells. Cytosolic PLA2 (cPLA2) inhibition, but not secreted or calcium‐independent PLA2 (sPLA2 or iPLA2, respectively), prevented triglyceride synthesis and reduced cell survival. Inhibition of prostaglandin synthesis with indomethacin not only failed to prevent hyperosmolality‐induced triglyceride synthesis but also exacerbated it. Similar results were observed with the peroxisomal proliferator activated receptor gamma (PPARγ) agonist rosiglitazone. Furthermore, hyperosmolality increased free intracellular arachidonic acid levels, which were even higher when prostaglandin synthesis was inhibited by indomethacin. Blocking PPARγ with GW‐9662 prevented the effects of both indomethacin and rosiglitazone on triglyceride synthesis and even reduced hyperosmolality‐induced triglyceride synthesis, suggesting that arachidonic acid may stimulate triglyceride synthesis through PPARγ activation. These results highlight the role of cPLA2 in osmoprotection, since it is essential to provide arachidonic acid, which is involved in PPARγ‐regulated triglyceride synthesis, thus guaranteeing cell survival.
Stream groundwater inputs generate fine‐scale variation in brook trout phenology and growth across a warming landscape
Authors: Gallagher Brian K. , Fraser Dylan J.
Published: November 2023

Climate change is increasing global atmospheric temperatures, which can reduce abundance and cause range shifts in species that are sensitive to warming. However, fine‐scale thermal heterogeneity can drive highly variable local responses to climate change, especially in freshwater environments that differ in groundwater inputs and geomorphology.

We used temperature data collected during 2012–2021 from 10 small, pristine streams in eastern Canada to characterise thermal variation at a small spatial scale (~25 km2). We then used relationships between daily air and stream temperatures to reconstruct stream temperature since 1980, and assessed how thermal variation influenced the phenology and growth of brook trout (Salvelinus fontinalis).

Air–stream temperature relationships varied considerably among streams despite their close proximity, with predicted summer temperatures differing up to 9.5°C between warmer rainfall‐dominated streams and cooler groundwater‐dominated streams. Rainfall‐dominated streams warmed more than twice as fast as groundwater‐dominated streams across all seasons since 1980, with nearly four‐fold differences in rates of warming evident during summer months. Fine‐scale thermal heterogeneity also shaped brook trout phenology, as juveniles in rainfall‐dominated streams were estimated to hatch and emerge much later (~70 and 40 days, respectively) and experience faster phenological shifts than in groundwater‐dominated streams. Relationships between juvenile brook trout size and accumulated degree‐days were positive, but slopes differed over two‐fold and did not vary systematically based on stream hydrology, suggesting more idiosyncratic impacts of warming on early growth.

Collectively, our study illustrates how species responses to climate change in freshwater environments can be consistent in direction but vary substantially in magnitude owing to the influence of groundwater. Future climate change is likely to increase the thermal stress experienced by brook trout populations in warmer rainfall‐dominated streams, while potentially benefiting those in groundwater‐dominated streams where current temperatures are often suboptimal.

Observed differences in the rates and ecological impacts of warming among streams suggest that fine‐scale thermal variation must be considered when forecasting effects of future climate change on stream fish population dynamics.
Towards Improved Remedial Outcomes in Categorical Aquifers with an Iterative Ensemble Smoother
Authors: Khambhammettu Prashanth , Renard Philippe , Doherty John , White Jeremy , Killingstad Marc , Kladias Michael
Published: November 2023

Categorical parameter distributions consisting of geologic facies with distinct properties, for example, high‐permeability channels embedded in a low‐permeability matrix, are common at contaminated sites. At these sites, low‐permeability facies store solute mass, acting as secondary sources to higher‐permeability facies, sustaining concentrations for decades while increasing risk and cleanup costs. Parameter estimation is difficult in such systems because the discontinuities in the parameter space hinder the inverse problem. This paper presents a novel approach based on Traveling Pilot Points (TRIPS) and an iterative ensemble smoother (IES) to solve the categorical inverse problem. Groundwater flow and solute transport in a hypothetical aquifer with a categorical parameter distribution are simulated using MODFLOW 6. Heads and concentrations are recorded at multiple monitoring locations. IES is used to generate posterior ensembles assuming a TRIPS prior and an approximate multi‐Gaussian prior. The ensembles are used to predict solute concentrations and mass into the future. The evaluation also includes an assessment of how the number of measurements and the choice of the geological prior determine the characteristics of the posterior ensemble and the resulting predictions. The results indicate that IES was able to efficiently sample the posterior distribution and showed that even with an approximate geological prior, a high degree of parameterization and history matching could lead to parameter ensembles that can be useful for making certain types of predictions (heads, concentrations). However, the approximate geological prior was insufficient for predicting mass. The analysis demonstrates how decision‐makers can quantify uncertainty and make informed decisions with an ensemble‐based approach.