bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Nutritional content of black soldier fly (Hermetia illucens L.) larvae at different stages of active feeding
Authors: Warisman  , Agusnar H , Tafsin M , Yunilas
Published: December 2024

Hermetia illucens L., commonly known as the black soldier fly (BSF), is an exemplary group of insects known for waste decomposition, and its maggots can be utilized as a protein source for livestock, poultry, and fish applications. The propagation of BSF maggots is relatively straightforward and can be cultivated on a large scale, contingent upon the type of feed provided. Chitin, present in the outer layer of BSF maggots, can act as an anti-nutrient, diminishing its benefits as a protein feed. This research aimed to evaluate maggot development based on the optimal harvesting time to achieve the lowest chitin content along with other proximate elements (nutrients) of significance. A quantity of 10 grams of BSF eggs was cultivated in a waste medium comprising tofu dregs and fruit and vegetable wastes. Harvesting was performed on 14, 16, 18, and 20-day. Proximate analysis results indicate that the 18th day was the optimum time for harvesting BSF maggots, just before reaching maturity, exhibiting the lowest chitin content and the highest protein levels. The findings of this study will serve as a reference for pre-treatment to reduce chitin content in BSF maggots before in vivo testing on broiler chickens.
Use of a combination of cherry leaves (Muntingia calabura) and soursop leaves (Annona muricata L.) extract as antioxidants on broiler performance
Authors: Sadeli A , Hanafi N D , Fatmila D T , Tarigan N N
Published: December 2024

The application of a cherry leaf and soursop leaf combination as antioxidants is intended to mitigate heat stress in broilers, which is typically associated with reduced growth rates, hormonal imbalances, decreased feed intake, and overall discomfort in high-temperature conditions. This study intends to assess the impact of employing a combination of cherry leaf (CL) and soursop leaf (SL) as antioxidants on broiler performance, specifically focusing on feed consumption, body weight gain, and feed conversion efficiency. The study used a completely randomized design (CRD) comprising 5 treatments, each replicated 5 times. Each replication included 5 broiler units. Treatments consisted of TO (control), T1 (CL 9%), T2 (SL 3%), T3 (CL 6% + SL 3%), T4 (CL 3% + SL 6%). The results demonstrated that the application of a combined extract of CL and SL as antioxidants significantly influenced broiler performance. Specifically, it increased the average feed consumption in treatment T3 to 90.36 grams, enhanced body weight gain in T3 to 61.36 grams, and improved feed conversion efficiency in T3 to 1.47. The best research results were found in T3.
Functional and Rheological Characteristics of Flour from 3 Varieties of Orange Sweet Potato
Authors: Julianti E , Karo-Karo T , Nabilah L
Published: December 2024

There are various orange sweet potato (OSP) (Ipomoea batatas L.) varieties in Indonesia. Each offers distinct tuber characteristics. Tuber from different varieties will produce flour with different functional and rheological properties, leading to varied application in food products. The current study evaluates the functional and rheological characteristics of flour from three OSP varieties (Beta 1, Beta 2, and Beta 3). A Non-Factorial Complete Randomized Design with five replications was used to evaluate the influence of OSP varieties on their functional and rheological characteristics. The results revealed the functional characteristics of OSP flours, including water and oil absorption index, swelling power, water solubility, emulsion activities, and baking expansion as well as rheological properties (peak, trough, breakdown, setback, and final viscosity) were significantly different (p<0.05) among the varieties. Beta 1 and Beta 2 exhibited significantly higher (p<0.05) gelatinization temperatures (83.48°C and 83.47°C, respectively) compared to Beta 3 (74.64°C).
Effect of Palm Sugar and Isomalt Substitution on Physiochemical Characteristics of Papaya Cookies
Authors: Fiona N , Romulo A
Published: December 2024

Cookies are a much-loved snack food; however, they have high sugar content. Reducing sugar and carbohydrates in cookies by substituting them with isomalt directly addresses the nutritional imbalances associated with high-carbohydrate and high-sugar content. Yet, some characteristics of cookies formulated with isomalt are relatively unknown. This research sought to explore how substituting isomalt in papaya cookies impacts their physicochemical and sensory properties. The study was structured as a completely randomized design with a single factor and five formulation of isomalt concentration (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, and 100%) and palm sugar concentration (0%, 10%, 25%, 50%, 100%). Then, the data were subjected to statistical analysis using One-Way ANOVA and subsequently evaluated with Tukey’s test. The results showed that isomalt substitution significantly increased the moisture content (4.17-6.51%), protein (7.45-7.93%), fat (16.37-21.55%), L* value (47.87-62.53%), and a* value (17.67-23.98%), while decreasing the carbohydrate content (64.94-70.85%) and dietary fiber (7.37-9.80%). In conclusion, isomalt substitution affects the chemical and physical characteristics. These findings suggest that isomalt not only enhances specific physiochemical properties of papaya cookies but also offers potential health benefits, such as reduced sugar content, making it a viable alternative for healthier snack options.
Food security analysis of shrimp farmer households based on the proportion of food expenditure and energy consumption in Purworejo Regency
Authors: Aziz F , Nurhidayati I , Khairiyakh R , Fajarningsih R U , Irawan E
Published: December 2024

Purworejo Regency ranked among the lowest five in the Central Java province’s GRDP acquisition in 2023. It is crucial to understand the micro-food security of Purworejo Regency’s shrimp farming households to boost food consumption in terms of quality and quantity. This study aimed to (1) examine the household income, (2) examine the ratio of food expenditure to household expenditure, (3) examine the energy consumption level based on food consumption from expenditure, and (4) examine the state of food security of shrimp farm fishermen households based on the ratio of food expenditure and energy consumption. This study was conducted in Purworejo Regency with 65 shrimp farmers’ household samples. According to the findings, shrimp farmers spent 28% of their total household expenses on food, which is included in the low category. Based on daily food expenditure, shrimp farming households consumed an average of 1,920.69 kcal, or 86.03% of the daily ECL, placing them in the medium category for overall energy consumption. The shrimp farming households in Purworejo Regency make up 56.92% of the food security, 4.62% of the food vulnerable, 36.92% of less food security, and 1.54% of food insecurity.
Towards food security collaboration: implementing urban farming ecotourism as a form of environmental sustainability at Al Akbar Mosque in Surabaya
Authors: Puspaningtyas A , Ismail H , Handoko V R , Ilman G M , Dewi L L C
Published: December 2024

This research shed more light on the collaboration process in the implementation of urban farming ecotourism programs at Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya. In order to encourage environmental sustainability, the government is intensifying food security programs in the urban area of Surabaya. Food security is an essential issue for developing countries, also food is the most basic need for human survival. Based on the Surabaya City Food Security Index in 2021 of 85.25 points in 2022, it decreased to 81.59 points. Surabaya strives to strengthen food security by holding Urban Farming activities at the Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya, which also doubles as an educational tourism destination. This research uses a qualitative approach with descriptive research types and data collection techniques through observation and interviews. The implementation of urban farming development at Al-Akbar Mosque Surabaya has gone well, and collaboration in the implementation of urban farming ecotourism programs is built based on solid goal agreements. However, there are several findings from this article. First is the lack of commitment to urban farming ecotourism among the stakeholders; second the role of community participation is lacking; third is the insufficient promotion of urban farming as a form of environmental sustainability in the city of Surabaya.
Dynamic interactions between agriculture, economic growth, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions: an environmental Kuznets Curve study in Indonesia
Authors: Khaliqi M , Gurning H R H , Ginting K H , Siregar F M
Published: December 2024

Indonesia’s rapid economic growth has significantly increased CO2 emissions, particularly from the energy and agricultural sectors. This study examines the interactions between agriculture, economic growth, energy consumption, and CO2 emissions in Indonesia using the Environmental Kuznets Curve (EKC) hypothesis, incorporating factors affecting environmental quality from 1990-2020. In this research using Autoregressive Distributed Lag (ARDL). The findings reveal inertia in CO2 emissions, with the previous year’s emissions significantly impacting current levels. GDP shows no significant effect on CO2 emissions, while renewable energy use reduces emissions, although past renewable energy use suggests a delayed impact due to the transition to clean technologies. The government should promote renewable energy through subsidies, tax incentives, and stricter emission regulations, while accelerating the shift from fossil fuels and implementing mitigation technologies for sustainable and low-carbon growth.
Marketing of eco-friendly purun handicraft in two purun craftsman centre villages in North Sumatra
Authors: Chery S C , Batubara R , Affandi O , Winda  , Risnasari I , Manurung H
Published: December 2024

Purun is used as a raw material to make handicrafts such as woven mats, bags, hats, and sandals. In North Sumatra, there are two purun handicraft centres, i.e. Cinta Air Village, Deli Serdang Regency and Mekar Jaya Village, Langkat Regency. The purpose of this study was to analyse the marketing of purun processed products in two purun craft centre villages. Data collection methods were carried out through field observation at the research site. Interviews were then conducted using open-ended guided interview techniques and documentation to support existing data in the field. Data analysis techniques were carried out using Miles and Huberman’s descriptive analysis. The results showed that the purun marketing channel in the two purun craft centres had three marketing channels, a)Craftsman I directly to consumers, b) Craftsman I to retailers and then to consumers, and c)Craftsman I to retailers, retailers to Craftsman II, then Craftsman II to consumers. In addition, this research highlights the need for strategic interventions to improve market access and profits for purun crafters, to support sustainable agricultural activities and the development of agricultural commodities in peatland ecosystems.
Estimating the oil-point variables of pumpkin seeds volume by linear process for sustainable oil production
Authors: Kiros A W , Kabutey A , Kibret S H , Onwuka M , Afework M A , Raj A
Published: December 2024

The linear compression process provides a sustainable and eco-friendly method for extracting oil from various oil-bearing seeds. The study focused on estimating the oil-point parameters of two varieties of pumpkin seeds (green and white) under a linear compression process at different deformation levels ranging from 20 to 36 mm with a 2 mm interval. A vessel diameter of 60 mm with a plunger was used to measure the samples pressing height of 60 mm. The oil-point identification of the samples was done by applying the litmus test procedure at a pressing rate of 5 mm min−1. The observed oil-point factors were analysed. The deformation levels caused an increase in the observed parameters for both green and white pumpkin seeds. For green pumpkin seeds, the decreasing and increasing oil points were noticed at deformation levels of 24 and 28 mm whereas those of the white seeds were seen at deformation levels of 32 and 36 mm. Beyond the upper limit deformation is the serration-effect characteristic due to a higher force. The study results provide useful information for determining the maximum pressure for recovering higher-quality oil from different pumpkin seeds to ensuring sustainable oil extraction for consumption and industrial applications.
Determination of engineering properties of densified briquettes from de-oiled seedcake mixtures for sustainable energy purposes
Authors: Kabutey A , Raj A , Kiros A W , Kibret S H , Afework M A , Onwuka M
Published: December 2024

Sustainable energy production which is efficient and affordable is fundamental in this 21st century and beyond considering the increasing population and dwindling conventional fuels among other environmental factors such as climate change. The study investigated de-oiled seedcake mixtures and their combinations for briquette energy usage. The seedcake mixtures were rape, sunflower, camelina and coconut desiccated medium. The compaction chamber and machine were used for the briquette densification at 40 kN through 120 kN and a speed of 5 mm/min. The results showed that the residual oil yield from the sunflower seedcake mixture was not significantly affected by the compaction force compared to the other mixtures which were significantly affected by the force increment. The hardness of the briquette positively correlated with the compaction force. An appreciable residual oil yield ranging from 0.65 to 2.51% was recovered from the seedcake mixtures with the highest amount obtained from the rape seedcake mixture. Seedcake mixtures of camelina and (combined 1) could be potential for briquette production for energy purposes due to their high compressive strength values of 2.90 and 2.71 kN/mm with the energy demand values of 552.32 and 458.15 Joules.
Optimization of conditions for eco-friendly preparation of chitin and chitosan from cocoons of black soldier fly using response surface methodology
Authors: Ha N N , Truong L Q , Thuy T T T , Dung N T T , Tu N P C
Published: December 2024

Chitin (CT) and chitosan (CS) are natural compounds used in agriculture and the environment. This study aims to determine the optimal biological extraction of CT and CS from black soldier fly (BSF) cocoons. The study employed the Box-Behnken design (BBD) to enhance the extraction processes, including deproteinization (DP), demineralization (DM), and deacetylation (DA). The DP of BSF using Alcalase was designed with five factors (viz., enzyme concentrations, solid/liquid ratios (S/L), temperature, time, and pH). BSF’s DM was designed using lactic acid concentrations, S/L, and time. The DA of CT using Bacillus amyloliquefaciens was designed with three factors, including pH, incubation time, and temperature. The statistical results revealed the optimal conditions for each extraction process. The degree of DP was approximately 16.34% at an Alcalase concentration of 2%, S/L of 17.5, a temperature of 57.5oC, a time of 4 hours, and a pH of 7.25. The degree of DM was approximately 91.42% at a S/L of 4.5, time of 2.65 hours, and lactic acid concentration of 6%. The degree of DA was 3.2% at a pH of 6.37, a time of 1.9 days, and a temperature of 37.6oC. The CT and CS production efficiency were 63.21% and 2.02%, respectively.
The Baire property and precompact duality
Authors: Ferrer M. , Hernández S. , Sepúlveda I. , Trigos-Arrieta F.
Published: December 2024

We prove that if

G
G

is a totally bounded Abelian group such that its dual group

G
^

p

\widehat {G}_p

equipped with the finite-open topology is a Baire group, then every compact subset of

G
G

must be finite. This solves an open question by Chasco, Domínguez, and Tkachenko. Among other consequences, we obtain an example of a group that is

g
g

-dense in its completion but is not

g
g

-barreled. This solves a question proposed by Außenhofer and Dikranjan.
Breast cancer cells promote osteoclast differentiation in an MRTF-dependent paracrine manner
Authors: Chawla Pooja , Sharma Ishani , Gau David , Eder Ian , Chen Fangyuan , Yu Virginia , Welling Niharika , Boone David , Taboas Juan , Lee Adrian V. , Larregina Adriana , Galson Deborah L. , Roy Partha
Published: December 2024

Bone is a frequent site for breast cancer metastasis. The vast majority of breast cancer–associated metastasis is osteolytic in nature, and RANKL (receptor activator for nuclear factor κB)-induced differentiation of bone marrow–derived macrophages to osteoclasts (OCLs) is a key requirement for osteolytic metastatic growth of cancer cells. In this study, we demonstrate that Myocardin-related transcription factor (MRTF) in breast cancer cells plays an important role in paracrine modulation of RANKL-induced OCL differentiation. This is partly attributed to MRTFs’ critical role in maintaining the basal cellular expression of connective tissue growth factor (CTGF), findings that align with a strong positive correlation between CTGF expression and MRTF-A gene signature in the human disease context. Luminex analyses reveal that MRTF depletion in breast cancer cells has a broad impact on OCL-regulatory cell-secreted factors that extend beyond CTGF. Experimental metastasis studies demonstrate that MRTF depletion diminishes OCL abundance and bone colonization of breast cancer cells in vivo, suggesting that MRTF inhibition could be an effective strategy to diminish OCL formation and skeletal involvement in breast cancer. In summary, this study highlights a novel tumor-extrinsic function of MRTF relevant to breast cancer metastasis.
S1 Vertebral Bone Quality Score Independently Predicts Proximal Junctional Kyphosis After Posterior Hemivertebra Resection With Transpedicular Instrumentation
Authors: Wang Yongdi , Ding Hong , Zhu Ce , Wang Juehan , Chen Qian , Ai Youwei , Xiao Zhuojie , Luo Dun , Liu Limin
Published: December 2024

Objective:

Proximal junctional kyphosis (PJK) is a prevalent postoperative complication after posterior hemivertebra (HV) resection. Previous research has demonstrated a strong correlation between the development of PJK and reduced bone mineral density. The vertebral bone quality (VBQ) score, derived from magnetic resonance imaging, is considered a predictive and evaluative tool for bone mineral density. However, obtaining accurate magnetic resonance imaging signal intensity at the L1-L4 vertebrae is challenging in patients with HV. Consequently, a novel S1 VBQ score has been proposed, which exhibits high accuracy. This study aimed to evaluate the efficacy of S1 VBQ scores in predicting the incidence of PJK in these patients.

Methods:

We conducted a retrospective analysis of patients diagnosed with HV who underwent posterior HV resection with transpedicular instrumentation at our department from 2010 to 2020. Comprehensive demographic and radiographic data were collected. To identify potential preoperative risk factors for the incidence of PJK, we utilized the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator method. Subsequently, a multivariate logistic regression model was constructed to evaluate the risk factors identified through the least absolute shrinkage and selection operator analysis. Cutoff values were determined through receiver operating characteristic analysis to assess the predictive value of the S1 VBQ score for PJK.

Results:

A total of 88 patients met the inclusion criteria, with 14 patients (15.9%) developing PJK. Five potential risk factors were selected, including S1 VBQ scores, Risser sign, thoracic kyphosis, pelvic tilt, and proximal junctional angle. The multivariate logistic regression model demonstrated that the S1 VBQ score is an independent risk factor for predicting PJK. The area under the receiver operating characteristic curve (area under the curve) for S1 VBQ scores was 0.770 with an optimal threshold of 2.793 (sensitivity: 78.6%, specificity: 67.6%).

Conclusion:

A higher S1 VBQ score is an independent risk factor for PJK, with a diagnostic accuracy of 77%. The S1 VBQ threshold of 2.793 was found to be effective in identifying PJK.

Level of Evidence:

Level III.
Treatment of Pseudophakic Bullous Keratopathy in Sclerocornea With Corneal Plana Using Descemet Stripping Automated Endothelial Keratoplasty
Authors: Ghamar-Shooshtari Arash , Zarei-Ghanavati Mehran
Published: December 2024

We report the case of a 68-year-old man with sclerocornea with corneal plana who presented with progressive pseudophakic bullous keratopathy. He underwent Descemet stripping automated endothelial keratoplasty. Although a single air bubble was needed for the initial lenticule detachment, there was notable improvement in corneal clarity and visual acuity over the course of a year.
Delayed Presentation of a Pseudocyst After Endoscopic Lumbar Discectomy and Its Recurrence in a Professional Biathlon Athlete: A Case Report and Literature Review
Authors: d’Astorg Henri , Reddy Sunil N. , Vieira Thais Dutra , Castel Xavier , Fière Vincent , Szadkowski Marc
Published: December 2024

In this case report, we encountered a pseudocyst as a complication of endoscopic lumbar discectomy in a high-level athlete within 3 months, which is atypical according to the literature. The recurrence of this pathology is even rarer, in this case, the patient presented a recurrence of the pseudocyst after resection. This case report outlines a review of the patient's clinical report, imaging, operative procedure, and complications, together with a literature review on pseudocysts after endoscopic lumbar discectomy.
Patient Preferences in Cochlear Implant Manufacturer Selection
Authors: Freeman Michael H. , Patro Ankita , Lindquist Nathan R. , Berg Katelyn A. , Holder Jourdan T. , O’Malley Matthew R. , Tawfik Kareem O. , Jan Taha A. , Perkins Elizabeth L. , Moberly Aaron C. , Haynes David S. , Bennett Marc L.
Published: December 2024

Objective

To assess the factors that drive a patient’s selection of cochlear implant (CI) manufacturer.

Study Design

Prospective survey study.

Setting

Tertiary referral center.

Patients

One hundred twenty-eight adult patients undergoing primary CI.

Interventions

Survey administered in the preoperative area.

Main Outcome Measures

Sources of information regarding CI manufacturer offerings, factors that were most important in deciding on a manufacturer, and manufacturer ultimately selected.

Results

One hundred twenty-eight patients were included (average age, 63.7 years; 97% White). The most cited source of information that patients used to choose a device was his/her audiologist (80.5% of patients). When asked his/her number 1 reason for choosing their CI manufacturer, the most commonly cited reason was technology (e.g., battery life, device pairing), regardless of manufacturer. When asked about specific technology offerings, hearing aid pairing was rated as the most important. The numbers 2 and 3 reasons for choosing a manufacturer were cosmetics/structure of the wearable portion of the device and audiologist recommendation of that manufacturer, respectively. The relative weight given to each of the top 3 reasons differed significantly across the three manufacturers (p = 0.017).

Conclusions

Audiologists are by far the leading source of information used by patients choosing a CI manufacturer. Patients prioritize technology most when choosing an implant manufacturer, but audiologist recommendation and the cosmetics and structure of the wearable device are also important. CI manufacturers should be mindful of patient priorities when designing and marketing their devices.
Brief Report: Trends in Hospital Readmissions Among Adults With and Without HIV in the United States, 2010–2020
Authors: Zhu Xianming , Patel Eshan U. , Berry Stephen A. , Grabowski Mary K. , Abraham Alison G. , Althoff Keri N. , Quinn Thomas C. , Gebo Kelly A. , Tobian Aaron A.R.
Published: December 2024

Background:

Although 30-day hospital readmission is a widely followed quality measure, there are limited US nationwide data to evaluate its trends among people with HIV (PWH) and the sex disparity over time. We describe the 30-day all-cause unplanned readmission trends among PWH and people without HIV (PWoH) in the United States.

Setting:

Adult participants in the 2010–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database, which weighted represents all US hospitalizations each year.

Methods:

We defined index admission and unplanned readmission using the US Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services criteria. Overall and sex-specific readmission risks were tabulated among the index admissions from adult PWH and PWoH each year in the 2010–2020 Nationwide Readmissions Database. Random effect linear and Poisson regressions were used to estimate risk difference and annual percentage change of the trend. We added a spline in 2015 and additionally stratified the analysis by age and patient's zip code median household income. All analyses were weighted to generate national estimates.

Results:

Approximately 140,000 index admissions from PWH and 25 million from PWoH were included each year. For PWoH between 2010 and 2020, annual readmission risk was stable at ∼12%. For PWH, readmission risk was stable at ∼22% during 2010–2015 and decreased from 22.0% in 2016 to 20.1% in 2020 (RD= −1.60 [95% CI: −2.24,−0.95]). Nonpregnant female PWH continued to have higher readmission risk than male PWH for all subgroups and all years. Nonpregnant female PWH <40 years had no reduction in readmission risk between 2016 and 2020 (RD= −0.45 [95% CI: −2.43, 1.53]).

Conclusions:

There remains strong need for readmission reduction interventions focusing on PWH, especially for young female PWH.
Metastatic Prostate Carcinoma to the Ankle Seen on Bone Scintigraphy and Extended Field-of-View PSMA PET/CT
Authors: Hod Nir , Shrem Noa Shani , Levin Daniel
Published: December 2024

We describe a rare case of metastatic prostate carcinoma to the heel. Bone scintigraphy revealed high uptake simulating fractures. Standard PSMA PET/CT was negative. As PSA elevated, extended field-of-view PET/CT revealed ankle uptake with virtually identical spatial distribution and intensity of both tracers. Histopathology confirmed ankle metastases of prostate carcinoma, which retrospectively was the inaugural manifestation of the metastatic skeletal disease. This case highlights the need to consider peripheral limb bone metastases in patients with biochemical recurrence. In case of focal symptoms or unexplained bone scan findings, the PSMA acquisition coverage should be extended to include the respective body part.
Superscan in First Posttherapeutic 177Lu-PSMA Scan
Authors: Calderon Tobar Merve Nida , Yilmaz Farise , Perktaş Lütfü
Published: December 2024

This case highlights the effectiveness of 177Lu-PSMA therapy in a 70-year-old man with castration-resistant prostate cancer who has extensive skeletal metastases in posttherapeutic whole-body imaging. A 70-year-old man with extensive skeletal metastases underwent 4 cycles of 177 Lu-PSMA-617 therapy. A whole-body 177Lu-PSMA scan after the first cycle showed diffuse skeletal lesions, with minimal PSMA uptake in the kidneys and salivary glands. A whole-body scan after the fourth cycle of 177Lu-PSMA showed a complete response of skeletal metastases with normal PSMA uptake in the kidneys and salivary glands. According to RECİP 1.0, the patient was considered a complete response.
Partial consumption of medical face masks by a common beetle species
Authors: Gicole Shim , Dimitriou Alexandra , Klasios Natasha , Tseng Michelle
Published: December 2024

The widespread distribution of microplastics (MPs) in the environment has motivated research on the ecological significance and fate of these pervasive particles. Recent studies have demonstrated that MPs may not always have negative effects, and in contrast, several species of Tenebrionidae beetles utilized plastic as a food source in controlled laboratory experiments. However, most studies of plastic-eating insects have not been ecologically realistic, and thus it is unclear whether results from these experiments apply more broadly. Here, we quantified the ability of mealworms (Coleoptera: Tenebrionidae) to consume MPs derived from polypropylene and polylactic acid face masks; these are two of the most commonly used conventional and plant-based plastics. To simulate foraging in nature, we mixed MPs with wheat bran to create an environment where beetles were exposed to multiple food types. Mealworms consumed approximately 50% of the MPs, egested a small fraction, and consumption did not affect survival. This study adds to our limited knowledge of the ability of insects to consume MPs. Understory or ground-dwelling insects may hold the key to sustainable plastic disposal strategies, but we caution that research in this field needs to proceed concomitantly with reductions in plastic manufacturing.
Trade-off between the antiviral and vaccinal effects of antibody therapy in the humoral response to HIV
Authors: Mittal Soumya , Garg Amar K. , Desikan Rajat , Dixit Narendra M.
Published: December 2024

Antibody therapy for HIV-1 infection exerts two broad effects: a drug-like, antiviral effect, which rapidly lowers the viral load, and a vaccinal effect, which may control the viral load long-term by improving the immune response. Here, we elucidate a trade-off between these two effects as they pertain to the humoral response, which may compromise antibody therapy aimed at eliciting long-term HIV-1 remission. We developed a multi-scale computational model that combined within-host viral dynamics and stochastic simulations of the germinal centre (GC) reaction, enabling simultaneous quantification of the antiviral and vaccinal effects of antibody therapy. The model predicted that increasing antibody dosage or antibody–antigen affinity increased immune complex formation and enhanced GC output. Beyond a point, however, a strong antiviral effect reduced antigen levels substantially, extinguishing GCs and limiting the humoral response. We found signatures of this trade-off in clinical studies. Accounting for the trade-off could be important in optimizing antibody therapy for HIV-1 remission.
Concrete evidence: outplanted corals for reef restoration do not need extended curing of ordinary Portland cement
Authors: Knoester E. G. , Vos A. , Saru C. , Murk A. J. , Osinga R.
Published: December 2024

Artificial reefs for coral reef restoration are often concrete-based. After concrete is poured, it initially has a high surface pH (approx. 13), which neutralizes within several weeks. During this curing, colonization by marine microalgae is delayed and also macrobenthos such as corals may be impacted. In this study, we evaluated how concrete curing time applied prior to the deployment of artificial reefs affected coral performance. Fragments of five coral species were outplanted onto ordinary Portland concrete discs (
n
= 10) that had been cured on land. Seven different curing periods were applied, ranging from one day up to four months. The discs with corals were deployed at a Kenyan reef and photographed at the start and end of the experiment. After 1 year, coral cover had increased for four coral species and declined for one, but this was unrelated to concrete curing time. Also, no effect of curing time was seen on the development of other common benthic organisms such as macroalgae or soft corals. We conclude that curing of concrete is unlikely to have any long-term negative impacts on coral performance and therefore, extended curing of artificial reefs prior to coral attachment is unlikely to benefit reef restoration efforts.
Brief Report: Nasal colonization with Staphylococcus aureus and methicillin resistant Staphylococcus aureus among community-dwelling older adults with comorbidities seeking follow-up medical care in Central Sri Lanka
Authors: Iqbal Ifaaz , Sabri Zeenath , Illangasinghe Adithya , Isurindi Ashini , Jayakodi Rashmi , Jayasekara Wasana , Jayarathna Kaveesha , Jayasinghe Nonduni , Ishani Mekhala , Jayasekara Ishan , Handapangoda Nelum , Menike Dilrukshi , Dissanayake Rasadanie , Ekanayake Asela , Liyanapathirana Veranja
Published: December 2024

Older adults are more severely affected by infections caused by drug-resistant bacteria including Methicillin-Resistant Staphylococcus aureus (MRSA). We aimed to identify the MRSA colonization rates and associated factors among older adults aged more than 65-years-old. Among the 309 recruited, 152 (49.2 %) were males. Self-collected nasal swabs were used to isolate Staphylococcus aureus and MRSA with routine microbiological methods. Staphylococcus aureus was isolated from 36 (11.7 %) participants while 11 (3.6 %) were colonized with MRSA. We identified a significant association between the male sex and MRSA colonization (P=0.028, Chi-square test). However, this needs careful interpretation given the smaller number of outcome events. Other factors studied had no statistically significant association with MRSA colonization.
Global genomic epidemiology of bla
GES-5 carbapenemase-associated integrons
Authors: Matlock William , Shaw Liam P. , Stoesser Nicole
Published: December 2024

Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) gene cassettes comprise an AMR gene flanked by short recombination sites (attI and attC or attC and attC). Integrons are genetic elements able to capture, excise and shuffle these cassettes, providing ‘adaptation on demand’, and can be found on both chromosomes and plasmids. Understanding the patterns of integron diversity may help to understand the epidemiology of AMR genes. As a case study, we examined the clinical resistance gene bla
GES-5, an integron-associated class A carbapenemase first reported in Greece in 2004 and since observed worldwide, which to our knowledge has not been the subject of a previous global analysis. Using a dataset comprising all de-duplicated NCBI contigs containing bla
GES-5 (n=104), we developed a pangenome graph-based workflow to characterize and cluster the diversity of bla
GES-5-associated integrons. We demonstrate that bla
GES-5-associated integrons on plasmids are different to those on chromosomes. Chromosomal integrons were almost all identified in Pseudomonas aeruginosa ST235, with a consistent gene cassette content and order. We observed instances where insertion sequence IS110 disrupted attC sites, which might immobilize the gene cassettes and explain the conserved integron structure despite the presence of intI1 integrase promoters, which would typically facilitate capture or excision and rearrangement. The plasmid-associated integrons were more diverse in their gene cassette content and order, which could be an indication of greater integrase activity and ‘shuffling’ of integrons on plasmids.
Exposure to neodymium blunts the hypoxic ventilatory response in fathead minnows (Pimephales promelas)
Authors: Nykamp Natalie M. , McGeer James C. , Leonard Erin M.
Published: December 2024

In hypoxia, the initial response in vertebrates is hyperventilation, known as the Hypoxic Ventilatory Response (HVR), which is a physiological reflex that allows fish to maintain adequate oxygen uptake. The severity of hypoxia in aquatic ecosystems is growing due to anthropogenic impacts. This is a concern with the recent evidence that metals can affect the ability of fishes to mount the HVR, potentially impacting survival. As Rare Earth Elements (REEs) increase in demand with the shift to a low-carbon economy, there is a critical need to understand their environmental consequences. Neodymium (Nd) is used in green technology and is one of the most critical REEs. Here, we investigate whether exposure to Nd will blunt the HVR in a toxicological model, the fathead minnow (Pimephales promelas). The fathead minnow will be exposed to hypoxia and Nd, and the ventilation rate will be observed and compared to controls to determine if there is a blunt in the HVR when the fish are exposed to both hypoxia and Nd. Nd caused a 31% decrease in the HVR and Nd accumulation in the gills was below the detection limit (LOD: 0.0681 µg/L). Toxicity testing with REEs during this time of economic growth is imperative for the protection of aquatic life in Canada.
Characterization of DNA methylation reader proteins inArabidopsis thaliana
Authors: Cahn Jonathan , Lloyd James P.B. , Karemaker Ino D. , Jansen Pascal W.T.C. , Pflueger Jahnvi , Duncan Owen , Petereit Jakob , Bogdanovic Ozren , Millar A. Harvey , Vermeulen Michiel , Lister Ryan
Published: December 2024

In plants, cytosine DNA methylation (mC) is largely associated with transcriptional repression of transposable elements, but it can also be found in the body of expressed genes, referred to as gene body methylation (gbM). gbM is correlated with ubiquitously expressed genes; however, its function, or absence thereof, is highly debated. The different outputs that mC can have raise questions as to how it is interpreted—or read—differently in these sequence and genomic contexts. To screen for potential mC-binding proteins, we performed an unbiased DNA affinity pull-down assay combined with quantitative mass spectrometry using methylated DNA probes for each DNA sequence context. All mC readers known to date preferentially bind to the methylated probes, along with a range of new mC-binding protein candidates. Functional characterization of these mC readers, focused on the MBD and SUVH families, was undertaken by ChIP-seq mapping of genome-wide binding sites, their protein interactors, and the impact of high-order mutations on transcriptomic and epigenomic profiles. Together, these results highlight specific context preferences for these proteins, and in particular the ability of MBD2 to bind predominantly to gbM. This comprehensive analysis ofArabidopsismC readers emphasizes the complexity and interconnectivity between DNA methylation and chromatin remodeling processes in plants.
Effective masses and magnetic moments of charmed baryons in asymmetric hot strange hadronic matter
Authors: Dutt Suneel , Kumar Arvind , Dahiya Harleen
Published: December 2024

In the present work, we have studied the masses and magnetic moments of spin−12+ and spin−32+ singly and doubly charmed baryons in the strange hadronic medium at finite temperature using the chiral SU(3) quark mean field model. The properties of baryons within the framework of the chiral SU(3) mean field model are defined in terms of constituent quark masses and energies, which are modified through the exchange of scalar fields σ, ζ, and δ and the vector fields ω, ρ, and ϕ. The scalar-isovector field, δ, and the vector-isovector field, ρ, contribute when the medium has finite isospin asymmetry. We have calculated the effective masses of constituent quarks and charmed baryons in the nuclear and strange matter within the chiral SU(3) quark mean field model and have used these as the input in SU(4) constituent chiral quark model to compute the effective magnetic moments of these baryons. Considering the configuration mixing, the contributions of valence quarks, quark sea, and orbital angular momentum of quark sea have been considered explicitly to calculate the in-medium magnetic moments.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Anomalous distribution of magnetization in an Ising spin glass with correlated disorder
Authors: Nishimori Hidetoshi
Published: December 2024

The effect of correlations in disorder variables is a largely unexplored topic in spin glass theory. We study this problem through a specific example of correlated disorder introduced in the Ising spin glass model. We prove that the distribution function of the magnetization along the Nishimori line in the present model is identical to the distribution function of the spin glass order parameter in the standard Edwards-Anderson model with symmetrically distributed independent disorder. This result means that if the Edwards-Anderson model exhibits replica symmetry breaking, the magnetization distribution in the correlated model has support on a finite interval, in sharp contrast to the conventional understanding that the magnetization distribution has, at most, two delta peaks. This unusual behavior challenges the traditional argument against replica symmetry breaking on the Nishimori line in the Edwards-Anderson model. In addition, we show that when temperature chaos is present in the Edwards-Anderson model, the ferromagnetic phase is strictly confined to the Nishimori line in the present model. These findings are valid not only for finite-dimensional systems but also for the infinite-range model, and highlight the need for a deeper understanding of disorder correlations in spin glass systems.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Cavity-Mediated Collective Emission from Few Emitters in a Diamond Membrane
Authors: Pallmann Maximilian , Köster Kerim , Zhang Yuan , Heupel Julia , Eichhorn Timon , Popov Cyril , Mølmer Klaus , Hunger David
Published: December 2024

When an ensemble of quantum emitters couples to a common radiation field, their polarizations can synchronize and a collective emission termed superfluorescence can occur. Entering this regime in a free-space setting requires a large number of emitters with a high spatial density as well as coherent optical transitions with small inhomogeneity. Here, we show that, by coupling nitrogen-vacancy centers in a diamond membrane to a high-finesse microcavity, also few, incoherent, inhomogeneous, and spatially separated emitters—as are typical for solid state systems—can enter the regime of collective emission. We observe a superlinear power dependence of the emission rate as a hallmark of collective emission. Furthermore, we find simultaneous photon bunching and antibunching on different timescales in the second-order autocorrelation function, revealing cavity-induced interference in the quantized emission from about 15 emitters. We develop theoretical models for mesoscopic emitter numbers to analyze the behavior in the Dicke state basis and find that the population of collective states together with cavity enhancement and filtering can explain the observations. Such a system has prospects for the generation of multiphoton quantum states, the preparation of entanglement in few-emitter systems, and enhancement of signals in quantum sensing.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Transformational leadership, ESG performance, corporate reputation and competitive advantage: a serial mediation model
Authors: Korankye Benard , Hao Yunhong , Borah Prasad Siba , Odai Leslie Afotey , Ahakwa Isaac
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Given the competitiveness of the business environment globally, environmental, social and governance (ESG), which represents a sustainable development framework that integrates environmental, social and corporate governance factors, has become an increasingly recognized concept in emerging markets. In the case of Ghana, its implementation is influenced by several factors, including leadership.

Design/methodology/approach

Drawing on the resource-based view theory, higher-order theory and stakeholder theory, we developed and evaluated a serial mediation model to explain how ESG performance and corporate reputation can connect transformational leadership to enhance competitive advantage. Utilizing the Process Macro model 6 in SPSS, data were collected from 340 senior managers/executives and middle-level managers from European multinational firms operating in Ghana.

Findings

The results indicate that transformational leadership positively affects ESG performance. Enhanced ESG performance, in turn, leads to improved corporate reputation, which subsequently results in a stronger competitive advantage.

Research limitations/implications

This study is limited to European multinational firms operating in Ghana, which may restrict the generalizability of the findings to other contexts or regions.

Practical implications

The findings suggest that organizations aiming to strengthen their competitive advantage should prioritize transformational leadership practices that foster ESG initiatives, as these are critical drivers of corporate reputation and market positioning.

Originality/value

This study provides new insights into the interwovenness between ESG performance and leadership in enhancing corporate reputation and competitive advantage within the context of emerging markets.
Lean Six Sigma financial performance in China and the United States: an international comparative empirical study
Authors: Li Na
Published: December 2024

Purpose

Despite the global success of Lean Six Sigma (LSS) operations, they are frequently criticised for failing to improve a company’s financial performance. This study investigated and contrasted the financial advantages of LSS, Industry 4.0 (I4.0) and Lean Six Sigma 4.0 (LSS4.0) practices in China and the United States.

Design/methodology/approach

We conducted statistical analyses using online databases. We applied regression analysis to quantitatively analyse 32,813 responding organisation data from 3,691 A-share manufacturing companies in China and 5,931 responding organisation data from 570 publicly traded manufacturing firms in the United States.

Findings

This study discovered the following findings: (1) American companies are paying less attention to LSS, which is gradually becoming more important in Chinese business strategy. (2) There is a strong positive relationship between LSS implementation and financial performance in China. Nonetheless, the financial impact of LSS is less significant in post-industrial countries such as the United States. (3) There is compelling evidence in the Chinese context for the significant impact of higher LSS maturity levels on the financial performance of publicly traded manufacturing firms. However, the financial benefits of higher LSS maturity levels in the United States are less pronounced. (4) Despite frequent discussions in China and the United States, implementing I4.0 and related technologies has yet to yield the desired results, particularly in the United States. (5) LSS4.0 significantly improves organisational financial performance.

Originality/value

This study explored the impact of LSS, I4.0 and LSS4.0 on financial performance and conducted an international comparative study from a big data perspective.
How HRM practices influence the organizational commitment of knowledge workers: the role of job crafting
Authors: Wojtczuk-Turek Agnieszka
Published: December 2024

Purpose

The article aims to discuss relationships between human resource management (HRM) and organizational commitment (OC). Using the conservation of resources (COR) theory, this study investigates the mediating role of job crafting in the relationship between HRM and organizational commitment.

Design/methodology/approach

This study is based on data from 450 knowledge workers representing companies of various sizes from the knowledge-intensive business services (KIBS) sector in Poland. Respondents completed the questionnaires using the computer-assisted telephone interview. I conducted the statistical verification of the mediation analyses using SEM with Amos ver. 28.

Findings

The findings show that HRM practices are positively related to organizational commitment. Statistical analysis confirmed that job crafting mediates relationships between HRM practices and organizational commitment.

Research limitations/implications

This study has two limitations, i.e. its cross-sectional design and the use of self-reported questionnaire data.

Originality/value

The study is the first to explore the mediating mechanism (through job crafting) between HRM and organizational commitment in the context of KIBS companies in Poland. According to the results, HRM is an important antecedent of job crafting and organizational commitment.