bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Magnetic excitation in the hyperkagome antiferromagnet
Mn3RhSi
Authors: Shamoto Shin-ichi , Yamauchi Hiroki , Iida Kazuki , Ikeuchi Kazuhiko , Kaneko Koji , Chen Yu-Sheng , Yano Shin-ichiro , Hsu Pai-Tse , Lee Min Kai , Hall Amelia Elisabeth , Balakrishnan Geetha , Chang Lieh-Jeng
Published: September 2024

In a paramagnetic state of a hyperkagome lattice antiferromagnet Mn3RhSi, magnetic diffuse scattering by magnetic short-range order is observed over a wide temperature range of approximately 500 K above the Néel temperature of 190 K. We have studied the magnetic excitation with a single crystal in a wide energy range from 0.3 to 140 meV by inelastic neutron scattering, where the prominent inelastic neutron-scattering signal is observed at Q=(2,0,0). The inelastic scattering intensity integrated for two of twelve magnon modes leads to a localized magnetic moment of about 5 μB per Mn site, although the long-range ordered magnetic moment is only 2.61 μB at 4 K. The result suggests that a large part of the magnetic moment does not order in Mn3RhSi, possibly due to the geometrical spin frustration of the hyperkagome lattice.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Efficient navigation of cargo-towing microswimmer in non-uniform flow fields
Authors: Sankaewtong Krongtum , Molina John J. , Yamamoto Ryoichi
Published: September 2024

The vision of deploying miniature vehicles within the human body for intricate tasks holds tremendous promise across engineering and medical domains. Herein, optimal navigation of a cargo-towing swimmer under an applied zig-zag flow is studied by employing direct numerical simulations coupled with a deep reinforcement learning algorithm. Tasks include navigation in flow and shear-gradient directions. We initially explore combinations of state inputs, finding that optimal navigation necessitates swimmers to perceive hydrodynamics and alignment, surpassing reliance solely on hydrodynamic signals while considering their memories. Next, we study combinations of action spaces, allowing dynamic changes in swimming and/or rotational velocities by tuning B1 and C1 parameters of the squirmer model, respectively. By keeping both parameters fixed, cargo-towing swimmers demonstrate superior performance in the flow direction compared to swimmers without load due to tumbling movements influenced by shear flow. In the shear-gradient direction, swimmers without load outperform cargo-towing swimmers, with performance decreasing as load length increases. Across the combination of allowing B1 and C1 to change, the policies from solely dynamic B1 actions demonstrate superior navigation. The policies are then used as a showcase against naive cargo-towing and inert colloidal chains. A t-distributed stochastic neighbor embedding analysis reveals the complex interplay between perceived hydrodynamic signals and swimmer position. In the flow direction, swimmers align effectively with regions of maximum velocity, while in the shear-gradient direction, periodic transitions from minimum to maximum state values occur. Comparing pullers, pushers, and neutral swimmers, cargo-towing swimmers show a reversal in swimming velocity trends, with pullers outpacing neutral and pusher swimmers, irrespective of load lengths.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Determinants of tweens’ saving intentions: a cross-sectional study
Authors: Lučić Andrea , Erceg Nikola , Barbić Dajana
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Children are beginning to socialize as consumers earlier than ever, highlighting the importance of their saving behavior as an effective form of consumer protection. The paper explored the influence of parents, peers, attitudes, knowledge, past behavior, allowance and self-efficacy on saving intention.

Design/methodology/approach

With the aim to explore a range of determinants of adolescent saving and to specify the potential mechanisms through which different determinants operate, we adopted a multitheoretical approach based on theories of planned behavior, consumer and financial socialization, and self-efficacy. The paper investigates the formation of the saving intentions on a sample of 1,476 children 10–15 years old in Croatia.

Findings

The results indicate strong importance of parental influence and self-efficacy, implying that saving intention among tweens requires a supportive family structure as well as beliefs in the tweens themselves that they are able to save money and face difficulties.

Originality/value

This paper investigates the very nature of saving intention formation at a crucial developmental stage; it investigates the interplay of mechanisms through which determinants of savings operate at that developmental stage; and it explores the age-variance of the mechanism and the interplay of relevant variables, shedding light on the nature of the mechanism of development.
“What do you mean by that?”: solidarity in Canadian development practice
Authors: Boutilier Sophia
Published: September 2024

Purpose

With the launch of the Feminist International Assistance Policy (FIAP), the Canadian government named solidarity as a shared value and a driving motivation behind the FIAP. This paper explores how development workers understand and apply solidarity to their work, uncovering the opportunities and constraints they face.

Design/methodology/approach

In-depth, semi-structured interviews were conducted with 42 development workers from Canada’s federal development agency between 2019 and 2020. Transcribed data were coded by the author to identify how workers made sense of solidarity within the development industry.

Findings

The majority of workers were unsure of how to define or operationalize solidarity, demonstrating confusion. Commonality was routinely mentioned as a facet of solidarity, but workers understood this term in diverse ways, with some considering commonality as a precondition that inhibited a sense of solidarity with development partners in the global South due to differences in living conditions. About a quarter identified power and privilege as necessary considerations in the process of building solidarity, showing potential for bonds across the inequalities that define development. About 40% of workers identified the institutional structure of the organization as an obstacle to solidarity.

Originality/value

This paper presents original data from Canadian development workers, providing the first study of their understanding of solidarity as a development ethic. It shows the gaps between rhetoric and practice while recommending ways for development organizations to meaningfully engage with solidarity in their work.
Model optimization and acceleration method based on meta-learning and model pruning for laser vision weld tracking system
Authors: Zou Yanbiao , Yang Jianhui
Published: September 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to propose a lightweight, high-accuracy object detection model designed to enhance seam tracking quality under strong arcs and splashes condition. Simultaneously, the model aims to reduce computational costs.

Design/methodology/approach

The lightweight model is constructed based on Single Shot Multibox Detector (SSD). First, a neural architecture search method based on meta-learning and genetic algorithm is introduced to optimize pruning strategy, reducing human intervention and improving efficiency. Additionally, the Alternating Direction Method of Multipliers (ADMM) is used to perform structural pruning on SSD, effectively compressing the model with minimal loss of accuracy.

Findings

Compared to state-of-the-art models, this method better balances feature extraction accuracy and inference speed. Furthermore, seam tracking experiments on this welding robot experimental platform demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits excellent accuracy and robustness in practical applications.

Originality/value

This paper presents an innovative approach that combines ADMM structural pruning and meta-learning-based neural architecture search to significantly enhance the efficiency and performance of the SSD network. This method reduces computational cost while ensuring high detection accuracy, providing a reliable solution for welding robot laser vision systems in practical applications.
Choosing where to work: an empirical study of collaborative activities’ impact on workspace choice behavior
Authors: Mateescu Magdalena , Schulze Hartmut , Kauffeld Simone
Published: September 2024

Purpose

In today’s rapidly evolving work landscape, the design of office spaces is a crucial concern for organizations. Companies are redefining offices as collaboration hubs to entice employees back to in-person work. However, the understanding of how employees choose their workspaces, especially for collaborative activities, and how this should inform office design is lacking. Workers’ collaborative activity patterns can help better understand workspace choice behavior (WCB). In two studies, this paper aims to explore which characteristics of collaborative activities to consider when reshaping offices.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected in a cross-sectional study design at a research institution (n = 285) and a university (n = 352) were used for confirmatory factor analyses and regression analysis.

Findings

The first study shows that collaborative activities can be classified into three distinct types: coordinative activities (planned and formal), deep collaboration (planned and complex) and spontaneous communication (informal and short encounters). The second study revalidates this classification and reveals patterns impacting WCB. Frequency and location preference of spontaneous communication and work environment satisfaction are strong predictors of on-site work. Personal characteristics like gender, age, managerial position or commute time are less consequential than assumed.

Practical implications

The results pinpoint guidelines for office designers and leaders in shaping effective workspaces and policies.

Originality/value

This paper provides new insights into classifying collaborative activities and personal characteristics, activity characteristics and environmental factors influencing WCB.
From a learning to a smart nation: the rise of the digitalization megatrend and Singapore’s development
Authors: Hoe Siu Loon
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this article is to discuss the “learning nation” concept and examine the characteristics and implications of using the “learning” premodifier in this nation-building program.

Design/methodology/approach

This article reviews how the “learning” aspect is inter-related to a series of national information and communication technology masterplans and includes a comparative analysis of the related premodifier “smart” as Singapore sets forth its ambition to become a “smart nation” as part of the digitalization megatrend. A print media indicator and Google Trends form part of the methodology to ascertain the rise of digital technology over a certain period. The former technique involves identifying relevant bibliographic databases and analyzing the volume of publications. The latter technique is a real time index of the volume of queries that users input into Google.

Findings

It is suggested that using the term “learning nation” previously and more recently “smart nation” is a consequence of the rise of the digitalization megatrend. The “smart-ness” involves learning about digital technologies, developing digital competencies and harnessing the benefits of these digital capabilities. From a public policy perspective, the article showcases how a city-state can transform itself through technology by riding on megatrends. Also, there is a need to be selective in developing specific areas for the application of digital technologies.

Originality/value

This article contributes to a better understanding on the frequent usage of the word “learning” as a premodifier and Singapore’s nation-building journey through human capital development and digitalization.
Catastrophe-related disruptions’ preparedness and emergency management in Morocco: a proactive risks and resilience digital twin-based analysis
Authors: Mharzi Rachid , Ben Kacem Abderrahmane , Elouadi Abdelmajid
Published: September 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this study is to analyze the operations and performance dynamics of a supply chain (SC) subject to disruptions. The preparedness of Moroccan responders in handling emergencies could be enhanced significantly, by devising digital twin-based decision support systems (DSSs).

Design/methodology/approach

The authors create a discrete-event simulation model to investigate proactively risks and resilience of a Moroccan basic-items SC (BISC). In this study, the authors analyze the effects of catastrophe-related disruptions (CRDs) on the Moroccan BISC, by the use of a simulation-based decision-supporting quantitative method.

Findings

In the disruption-free simulation experiment, the outcome was a satisfactory 100% coverage. By implementing CRDs, inventory levels have dropped, service levels decreased, lead time raised and there was an increase in backlogged products and late orders numbers. The highest impact was observed for the shutdown of paths linking suppliers to warehouses, whereas the increase in demand had a comparatively minor effect. The risk analysis approach helps to identify critical products for which the time-to-recover is longer and requires more commitment to enhance their resilience.

Practical implications

The model serves to deduce quantitative resilience assessment from simulation, streamline the selection of recovery strategies and enable the best-informed reactive decision-making to minimize the impact.

Originality/value

The research brings organizing solutions to catastrophe-related emergencies in Morocco. It would contribute significantly by visualizing, examining and unveiling the effects of disruptions on a BISC and offering actionable recommendations for remedial measures.
Thermal coal futures trading volume predictions through the neural network
Authors: Jin Bingzi , Xu Xiaojie , Zhang Yun
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Predicting commodity futures trading volumes represents an important matter to policymakers and a wide spectrum of market participants. The purpose of this study is to concentrate on the energy sector and explore the trading volume prediction issue for the thermal coal futures traded in Zhengzhou Commodity Exchange in China with daily data spanning January 2016–December 2020.

Design/methodology/approach

The nonlinear autoregressive neural network is adopted for this purpose and prediction performance is examined based upon a variety of settings over algorithms for model estimations, numbers of hidden neurons and delays and ratios for splitting the trading volume series into training, validation and testing phases.

Findings

A relatively simple model setting is arrived at that leads to predictions of good accuracy and stabilities and maintains small prediction errors up to the 99.273th quantile of the observed trading volume.

Originality/value

The results could, on one hand, serve as standalone technical trading volume predictions. They could, on the other hand, be combined with different (fundamental) prediction results for forming perspectives of trading trends and carrying out policy analysis.
Navigating digital transformation and business model innovation in the tourism sector: challenges opportunities, and leadership styles
Authors: Santarsiero Francesco , Carlucci Daniela , Lerro Antonio , Schiuma Giovanni
Published: September 2024

Purpose

Technological advancements are reshaping the tourism industry, necessitating the adaptation of business models through digital technology utilisation for intelligent, sustainable and inclusive tourism offerings. The diverse nature of tourism businesses, encompassing size, technology access, risk aversion, labour intensity, and more, presents a spectrum of challenges and opportunities for business model innovation (BMI) and digital transformation (DT) to maintain competitiveness. This study focuses on the core aspects of DT and BMI within the tourism sector, offering pivotal insights to aid tourism companies embarking on the intricate journey of DT and BMI in this evolving landscape.

Design/methodology/approach

The study conducts an extensive literature review to identify critical issues and pathways for tourism businesses pursuing DT and BMI. The review is focused on the challenges, opportunities, risks and imperatives that tourism organisations have to navigate in the current DT landscape to renew their business model.

Findings

The findings underscore the pressing need for tourism businesses to undergo a holistic DT. While digital technologies are reshaping the essence of tourism value chains, the transformation extends beyond technology adoption to encompass a profound renewal of organisational culture, competencies, structure, leadership and operational models. This paradigm shift is indispensable for crafting more innovative, sustainable and more inclusive tourism development. The paper also provides strategic recommendations and outlines future research directions to fortify the transformational journey of the tourism sector.

Originality/value

The paper provides key insights into supporting DT and BMI in tourism businesses, advancing a nuanced understanding of the multifaceted challenges and opportunities tourism organisations face in the digital age.
Fertility and Miscarriage Incidence After Cervical Intraepithelial Neoplasia Treatment by Thermal Ablation: A Cohort Study
Authors: Wisniak Ania , Yakam Virginie , Bolo Sophie Evina , Moukam Alida , Sormani Jessica , Vassilakos Pierre , Kenfack Bruno , Petignat Patrick
Published: September 2024

Objective

To assess the impact of thermal ablation (TA) for the treatment of cervical dysplasia on fertility and pregnancy outcomes among women screened for cervical cancer in Cameroon.

Design

Retrospective cohort study.

Setting

Dschang health district, Cameroon.

Population

Participants aged 30–45 years from two screening trials conducted between 2015 and 2020 in Dschang District Hospital.

Methods

Participants were primarily screened for human papillomavirus infection, triaged by visual inspection and treated by TA if needed. Between October 2021 and March 2022, interviews on subsequent fertility were conducted with participants treated by TA and a control group of untreated women.

Main Outcome Measures

Pregnancy and miscarriage after screening/treatment.

Results

A total of 760 participants (219 treated and 541 untreated) completed the survey, with a mean follow‐up time of 1297 days. Sixty‐two women (28.3%) treated by TA reported a pregnancy postscreening versus 165 (30.5%) in the control group (p = 0.550). Adjusted for potential confounders, the hazard ratio of pregnancy for treated compared with untreated women was 0.82 (0.54–1.24, p = 0.350). Among women reporting pregnancies with a known outcome and which were not voluntarily terminated, 18 (35.3%) treated participants had a miscarriage versus 31 (21.4%) in the control group (p = 0.048). In the adjusted model, no association remained between TA and miscarriage (1.04, 0.39–2.78, p = 0.935).

Conclusions

In our study population, TA did not significantly impact fertility nor miscarriage risk. Our results support the widespread use of TA as a treatment of choice for precancerous cervical lesions in low‐income settings.
BmEL‐2 promotes triglyceride metabolism by regulating BmAGPATγ and BmFAF2 expression in Bombyx mori
Authors: Ma Da , Zhou Si , Shi Jiayuan , Gu Ying , Qin Sheng , Li Muwang , Sun Xia
Published: September 2024

Bombyx mori ELAV‐like‐1 (BmEL‐1) and B. mori ELAV‐like‐2 (BmEL‐2) are 2 members of the ELAV‐like family of RNA‐binding proteins. Mutations in Bmel‐1 and Bmel‐2 resulted in 5.8% and 28.5% decreases in larval weight on the 3rd day of the 5th instar larva (L5D3), respectively. Triglycerides (TG) are the most important energy resource and are the main component of neutral fat (NF) in animals. To investigate the role of Bmelav‐like genes in the synthesis and decomposition of TG, transcriptomic, and metabolic analyses were performed on the whole bodies on the 1st day of the 2nd instar larvae (L2D1) and on fat bodies on L5D3 of Bmel‐1− and Bmel‐2− mutants, respectively. As compared with the control silkworm, differentially expressed genes generated in both mutants were mainly enriched in lysine degradation, fatty acid (FA) metabolism, and unsaturated FAs biosynthesis. The diglyceride and phosphatide contents were significantly lower in Bmel‐1− and Bmel‐2− fat bodies than those of the control group. Consistently, the NF content of both mutants’ fat bodies were reduced by 50% and 60%, respectively. BmEL‐2 positively regulates BmAGPATγ (B. mori 1‐acyl‐sn‐glycerol‐3‐phosphate acyltransferase gamma, LOC101741736) and BmFaF2 (B. mori fatty acid synthetase‐associated factor 2, LOC101739090) expression by binding to the specific regions of their 3′ untranslated regions in BmN cells. This study suggests that BmEL‐2 may be an important regulator of BmAGPATγ and BmFAF2 expression and thereby participates in TG metabolism in the silkworm fat body.
Omalizumab reduces anaphylactic reactions and allows food introduction in food‐allergic in children with severe asthma: An observational study
Authors: Arasi Stefania , Cafarotti Arianna , Galletta Francesca , Panetta Valentina , Riccardi Carla , Calandrelli Veronica , Fierro Vincenzo , Dahdah Lamia , Artesani Maria Cristina , Valluzzi Rocco Luigi , Pecora Valentina , Tallarico Valeria , Dinardo Giulio , Lo Scalzo Lucia , Fiocchi Alessandro
Published: September 2024

Background

In Europe, Omalizumab (anti‐IgE) is indicated for the treatment of moderate to severe asthma, but not for IgE‐mediated food allergy (FA).

Objective

We assessed the impact of Omalizumab on efficacy, safety, and quality of life (FA‐QoL) in patients with moderate to severe asthma and who have a history of anaphylaxis to peanut, tree nuts, fish, egg, milk, and/or wheat.

Methods

Food‐allergic children (6–18 years) with moderate to severe asthma underwent oral food challenges (OFCs) to establish the threshold of reaction to the culprit food(s) at baseline (T0) and at 4‐month intervals (T1, T2, and T3) during their first year of treatment with Omalizumab. We recorded the number and severity of food‐allergic reactions, Asthma Control Test (ACT) scores, FA‐QoL, and total IgE levels.

Results

In 65 patients allergic to 107 foods, the No Observed Adverse Events Level (NOAEL) at T1 increased: 243‐ and 488‐fold for fresh and baked milk, respectively; 172‐ and 134‐fold for raw and baked egg; 245‐fold for hazelnut; 55‐fold for peanut; 31‐fold for wheat; and 10‐fold for fish. Full tolerance was achieved in 66.4% of OFCs at T1, 58.3% at T2, and 75% at T3. Ninety‐five foods were liberalized in the diet of 55 patients; the remaining 12 were introduced by 10 patients at least in traces. Throughout the study, 40 out of 65 were able to get a free diet. ACT increased from 17 (Q1‐Q3: 15–17) to 23.6 (Q1‐Q3: 23–25). The FA‐QoL score in children ≤12 years decreased from 4.63 ± 0.74 to 2.02 ± 1.13, and in adolescents from 4.68 ± 0.92 to 1.90 ± 1.50.

Conclusions

During Omalizumab therapy, a safe reintroduction of allergenic foods is feasible.

Trial Registration Number

ClinicalTrials.gov, NCT06316414.
An ethnography of joy: Entrepreneurship among Latinx communities in East Los Angeles
Authors: Stainova Yana
Published: September 2024

How do people living at the intersection of various forms of injury seek out collective experiences of joy? I explore this question through fieldwork with Latinx female and queer artists and entrepreneurs, some of them undocumented, who consciously seek out and enact joy in their communities in East Los Angeles. At the same time, these communities face gentrification, racism, and discrimination. I rest on joy as a conceptual framework that arises out of the analysis and theorizing of my interlocutors, who choose to push back against mainstream representations of their communities as exclusively defined by their suffering. This approach, or what I call “an ethnography of joy,” draws our attention to what joy does in a particular context, how it becomes politically meaningful, and how it intersects and interacts with other phenomena. For example, in this article, I explore the more capacious idea of joy through a particular angle that emerged in my ethnographic research: entrepreneurship, or small business ownership. A focus on entrepreneurship allows me to explore how my interlocutors summon the forces of neoliberalism to seek social mobility, belonging, and community activism.
Intrapartum ultrasound for cervical dilatation: Inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement
Authors: Hanidu Arwa , Kovalenko Mariya , Usman Sana , Monasta Lorenzo , Zamagni Giulia , Stampalija Tamara , Lees Christoph
Published: September 2024

Introduction

Digital vaginal examination (DVE) is considered the standard of care for assessing labor progress and cervical dilatation. However, it may be painful and is a subjective method that can increase the risk of chorioamnionitis. Known inter‐ and intra‐observer variability exists in measurements of cervical dilatation obtained digitally. However, little is known about the inter‐ and intra‐observer variability when using intrapartum transperineal ultrasound (TPUS). Our objectives were to investigate the relationship between cervical dilatation as assessed by TPUS and DVE. To assess inter‐ and intra‐observer variability in both single and repeated ultrasound assessments of cervical dilatation during active labor.

Material and Methods

This single‐center study was conducted at an inner‐city maternity unit in London, UK. Nulliparous participants at term with a live, singleton fetus in cephalic presentation were recruited between May 2021 and November 2022. During active labor, TPUS was performed subsequent to DVE. Repeat ultrasound assessments were performed where feasible. Participants were in a supine position, with flexed hips and knees and with an empty bladder. The ultrasound transducer was placed transversely on the maternal perineum. The anteroposterior (AP) diameter of the cervix was measured, and two‐dimensional (2D) cine‐loop videos were analyzed to obtain accurate measurements. Data were excluded if the time difference between DVE and TPUS exceeded 60 min.

Results

Of the 206 participants who consented to the study, complete data were obtained from 110 participants, yielding 147 paired TPUS and DVE observations. Ninety‐six participants were excluded. The absolute difference between TPUS and DVE assessments was 0 cm in 34% of the observations, 1 cm in 46.3%, and between 2 and 4 cm in 19.7%. The mean difference was −0.9 cm (intraclass correlation coefficient = 0.85; p < 0.001). Data from 30 participants, with 50 cervical dilatation measurements, were used to assess inter‐ and intra‐observer variability. The mean difference for the first ultrasound assessment was 0.07 cm (95% limit of agreement = −0.96 to 1.10, p < 0.001), for inter‐observer variability, and 0.01 cm (95% limit of agreement = −0.29 to 0.30; p < 0.001) for intra‐observer variability.

Conclusions

Assessment of the cervix with TPUS during active labor is feasible and shows a strong correlation with DVE measurements. The majority of ultrasound measurements yielded readings within 1 cm of the corresponding DVE values, demonstrating high intraclass correlation and good inter‐ and intra‐observer agreement.
Rewilded horses in European nature conservation – a genetics, ethics, and welfare perspective
Authors: Lovász Lilla , Sommer‐Trembo Carolin , Barth Julia M.I. , Scasta John D. , Grancharova‐Hill Ralitsa , Lemoine Rhys T. , Kerekes Viola , Merckling Léa , Bouskila Amos , Svenning Jens‐Christian , Fages Antoine
Published: September 2024

In recent decades, the integration of horses (Equus ferus) in European rewilding initiatives has gained widespread popularity due to their potential for regulating vegetation and restoring natural ecosystems. However, employing horses in conservation efforts presents important challenges, which we here explore and discuss. These challenges encompass the lack of consensus on key terms inherent to conservation and rewilding, the entrenched culture and strong emotions associated with horses, low genetic diversity and high susceptibility to hereditary diseases in animals under human selection, as well as insufficient consideration for the social behaviour of horses in wild‐living populations. In addition, management of wild‐living horses involves intricate welfare, ethics and legislative dimensions. Anthropocentric population‐control initiatives may be detrimental to horse group structures since they tend to prioritise individual welfare over the health of populations and ecosystems. To overcome these challenges, we provide comprehensive recommendations. These involve a systematic acquisition of genetic information, a focus on genetic diversity rather than breed purity and minimal veterinary intervention in wild‐living populations. Further, we advise allowing for natural top‐down and bottom‐up control – or, if impossible, simulating this by culling or non‐lethal removal of horses – instead of using fertility control for population management. We advocate for intensified collaboration between conservation biologists and practitioners and enhanced communication with the general public. Decision‐making should be informed by a thorough understanding of the genetic makeup, common health issues and dynamics, and social behaviour in wild‐living horse populations. Such a holistic approach is essential to reconcile human emotions associated with horses with the implementation of conservation practices that are not only effective but also sustainable for the long‐term viability of functional, biodiverse ecosystems, while rehabilitating the horse as a widespread wild‐living species in Europe.
Seeking a multi‐dimensional approach to understand agricultural commodity expansion in Asian tropics
Authors: Rege Anushka , Bhan Manan , Krishnaswamy Jagdish , Patil Sheetal , Singh Indira , Xu Wenxiu , Zeng Siyan
Published: September 2024

Agricultural commodity expansion into natural and semi‐natural ecosystems in Asia is a multi‐dimensional sustainability challenge posing a threat to natural and human capital. At the symposium pertaining to agricultural commodity landscapes organized at the 59th meeting of the Association for Tropical Biology and Conservation, we aimed to identify key aspects that require further attention to address the negative impacts of commodity‐driven agricultural expansion in the Asian tropics. Using a combination of insights obtained both from participants' research and those that developed organically in the symposium, we identified five key themes: (1) Robust land use suitability assessments to determine the viability of agricultural expansion or other competing demands on productive land in given landscapes; (2) the need for plot‐level studies of soil biodiversity and ecological functions for commodity crops; (3) Irrigation for commodity crops with blue and green water and evaluating co‐dependent drivers and outcomes; (4) an improved understanding of local producer motivations and supply chains and (5) the analysis of co‐benefits, trade‐offs and synergies in agro‐commodity systems. These themes include the various steps involved in agricultural commodity expansion, right from land selection and crop patterns to aspects pertaining to the post‐harvest value chain. These themes are inter‐connected and span across multiple local and regional spatial scales in tropical Asia but hold relevance to agricultural landscapes elsewhere too. Immediate and sustained attention on these themes would secure multiple goals of sustainable land use, biodiversity conservation, climate change mitigation and human well‐being.
Diagnostic Nomogram Model for ACR TI‐RADS 4 Nodules Based on Clinical, Biochemical Data and Sonographic Patterns
Authors: Wang Yongheng , Tang Yao , Luo Ziyu , Li Jianhui , Li Wenhan
Published: September 2024

Objectives

The objective of this study was to develop and validate a nomogram model integrating clinical, biochemical and ultrasound features to predict the malignancy rates of Thyroid Imaging Reporting and Data System 4 (TR4) thyroid nodules.

Methods

A total of 1557 cases with confirmed pathological diagnoses via fine‐needle aspiration (FNA) were retrospectively included. Univariate and multivariate logistic regression analyses were conducted to identify independent predictors of malignancy. These predictors were incorporated into the nomogram model, and its predictive performance was evaluated using receiver‐operating characteristic curve (AUC), calibration plots, net reclassification improvement (NRI), integrated discrimination improvement (IDI) and decision curve analysis (DCA).

Results

Eight out of 22 variables—age, margin, extrathyroidal extension, halo, calcification, suspicious lymph node metastasis, aspect ratio and thyroid peroxidase antibody—were identified as independent predictors of malignancy. The calibration curve demonstrated excellent performance, and DCA indicated favourable clinical utility. Additionally, our nomogram exhibited superior predictive ability compared to the current American College of Radiology (ACR) score model, as indicated by higher AUC, NRI, IDI, negative likelihood ratio (NLR) and positive likelihood ratio (PLR) values.

Conclusions

The developed nomogram model effectively predicts the malignancy rate of TR4 thyroid nodules, demonstrating promising clinical applicability.
Impact of baseline characteristics on the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide among participants with type 2 diabetes: A post hoc analysis of SUSTAIN China
Authors: Ji Linong , Lu Yibing , Shen Zewei , Hu Ping , Liu Wenyan , Zhang Qiu , Shi Bimin
Published: September 2024

Aims

To investigate the impact of baseline characteristics on the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg in participants with type 2 diabetes (T2D) from the SUSTAIN China trial.

Methods

In this post hoc analysis, data for semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin 100 mg were analysed in the total (n = 868) and Chinese‐only (n = 605) populations. Changes from baseline to end of treatment (EOT) in glycated haemoglobin (HbA1c) and body weight were analysed by baseline age, sex, body mass index, HbA1c, diabetes duration, and homeostatic model assessment of β‐cell function (HOMA‐β) tertile. Proportions of participants achieving HbA1c <7.0% (53 mmol/mol) by baseline HbA1c, change from baseline to EOT in standard deviation of seven‐point self‐monitored plasma glucose (SMPG), derived time‐in‐range (dTIR) of seven‐point SMPG at Week 30, and HOMA‐β ratio to baseline at Week 30 were assessed for both populations.

Results

In both populations the efficacy of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin was not significantly affected by most of the baseline characteristics studied. The proportion of participants achieving the target HbA1c <7% was not affected by baseline HbA1c (pinteraction > 0.05). SMPG fluctuation and dTIR indicated less glucose variability in participants treated with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin, and the HOMA‐β ratios to baseline at EOT were greater with semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg versus sitagliptin (p < 0.05).

Conclusions

These results support the effectiveness of once‐weekly subcutaneous semaglutide 0.5 and 1.0 mg across a broad range of baseline characteristics, in participants with T2D from SUSTAIN China.
Case‐Based Reasoning in Educational Ethics: Phronēsis and Epistemic Blinders
Authors: Vazquez Michael , Webster Dustin
Published: September 2024

In this paper Michael Vazquez and Dustin Webster consider the practice of deliberating about ethical case studies as a means to contribute to the professional development of educators. An ongoing debate is whether or not the study of ethical theory should be included in this practice. Vazquez and Webster argue that a popular strategy, known as the Phronetic Approach, is vulnerable to what they call “epistemic blinders” that arise in the absence of the scaffolding provided by theory. They then sketch an alternative approach to case‐based reasoning inspired by Barbara Herman's notion of middle theory. The middle theory approach naturally suggests a balanced method for using case studies in teacher professional development: expose educators to some theory, but only to the degree and at the level appropriate for the specific audience and in light of how frequent interactions with that audience will be.
Interleukin‐1 family cytokines and soluble receptors in hidradenitis suppurativa
Authors: Manzo Margiotta Flavia , Gambino Gaetana , Pratesi Federico , Michelucci Alessandra , Pisani Francesco , Rossi Leonardo , Dini Valentina , Romanelli Marco , Migliorini Paola
Published: September 2024

Hidradenitis suppurativa (HS) is a chronic skin disease, characterized by clinical inflammation of the hair follicle with the recurrence of abscesses, nodules, and tunnels. Recently, several studies suggested a role of IL‐1 family (IL‐1F) cytokines in eliciting and sustaining the disease. The aim of this work is to perform a comprehensive analysis of IL‐1F cytokines, soluble inhibitors and receptors in a cohort of HS patients not treated with biological agents. Sixteen patients affected by HS and 16 healthy controls were recruited; clinical data were collected and disease severity evaluated by means of the International HS Severity Score System (IHS4). Serum levels of IL‐1F cytokines, inhibitors and receptors were measured using a Multiplex Assays. IL‐18 and free IL‐18 levels were significantly higher in patients vs controls. Among soluble inhibitors, IL‐1Ra, IL‐1R2 and ST2/IL‐1R4 were significantly increased. IL‐18, free IL‐18 and IL‐33 levels are strongly correlated with IHS4. Also the inhibitors IL‐1Ra and IL‐18BP show a correlation with IHS4. The data obtained in this study confirm the involvement of IL‐1F cytokines in mediating the disease and determining its severity and suggest a possible role for IL‐18 as novel serum biomarker of active disease.
Changing disturbance regimes, material legacies, and stabilizing feedbacks: Dead coral skeletons impair key recovery processes following coral bleaching
Authors: Kopecky Kai L. , Holbrook Sally J. , Partlow Emalia , Cunningham Madeline , Schmitt Russell J.
Published: September 2024

Ecosystem responses to disturbance depend on the nature of the perturbation and the ecological legacies left behind, making it critical to understand how climate‐driven changes in disturbance regimes modify resilience properties of ecosystems. For coral reefs, recent increases in severe marine heat waves now co‐occur with powerful storms, the historic agent of disturbance. While storms kill coral and remove their skeletons, heat waves bleach and kill corals but leave their skeletons intact. Here, we explored how the material legacy of dead coral skeletons modifies two key ecological processes that underpin coral reef resilience: the ability of herbivores to control macroalgae (spatial competitors of corals), and the replenishment of new coral colonies. Our findings, grounded by a major bleaching event at our long‐term study locale, revealed that the presence of structurally complex dead skeletons reduced grazing on turf algae by ~80%. For macroalgae, browsing was reduced by >40% on less preferred (unpalatable) taxa, but only by ~10% on more preferred taxa. This enabled unpalatable macroalgae to reach ~45% cover in 2 years. By contrast, herbivores prevented macroalgae from becoming established on adjacent reefs that lacked skeletons. Manipulation of unpalatable macroalgae revealed that the cover reached after 1 year (~20%) reduced recruitment of corals by 50%. The effect of skeletons on juvenile coral growth was contingent on the timing of settlement relative to the disturbance. If corals settled directly after bleaching (before macroalgae colonized), dead skeletons enhanced colony growth by 34%, but this benefit was lost if corals colonized dead skeletons a year after the disturbance once macroalgae had proliferated. These findings underscore how a material legacy from a changing disturbance regime can alter ecosystem resilience properties by disrupting key trophic and competitive interactions that shape post‐disturbance community dynamics.
Identification of a higher C–S lyase activity of Staphylococcus hominis in volunteers with unpleasant axillary odour
Authors: Grimaldi Christine , Gilardeau Sophie , Verzeaux Laurie , Guedj Océane , Richer Stéphanie , Laspoussas Aliette , Le Guillou Maud , Muchico Hélène , Aymard Elodie , Closs Brigitte
Published: September 2024

Objective

Excessive and unpleasant odours that emanate from the skin can induce bromhidrosis and substantially impair a person's quality of life. Enzymatic pathways generating unpleasant odours are well detailed, and among them, the C–S lyase is one of the enzymes involved in the conversion of non‐volatile precursors into thiol‐type malodorous volatile molecules such as 3M3SH. This study aimed to investigate the variation of axillary odour intensity correlated with Staphylococcus (S.) hominis C–S lyase activity within a group of volunteers after a physical activity.

Methods

First, a group of 24 volunteers from the same ethnicity with standardized hygienic and alimentary practices participated in a supervised indoor cycling activity. Following this session, worn T‐shirts were recovered to enable the olfactory evaluation of axillary odours by qualified experts. To go further, the microbiota from the axillary zone of each volunteer was sampled and the bacterial relative abundance was investigated by using 16S rRNA metasequencing. Then, S. hominis isolates were obtained by culturomics from these microbiota samples and the C–S lyase activity was measured by spectrofluorometry in protein crude extracts.

Results

The evaluation of the odour intensity revealed that within the panel, two groups were significantly distinct. A non‐odorous group and a malodorous one with volunteers having unpleasant odours. The 16S rRNA metasequencing reveals differences in bacterial communities between the two groups with a significant increase in the relative abundance of S. hominis in the malodorous group compared with the non‐odorous one. The C–S lyase activities measured on S. hominis sampled on volunteers from the two groups demonstrate that for an equivalent quantity of protein, this enzymatic activity is significantly higher for the samples originating from the malodorous group.

Conclusion

Hence, this study demonstrates that beyond the increase of S. hominis relative abundance, the C–S lyase enzymatic activity of this bacteria is also higher in volunteers with unpleasant axillary odours.
Moving beyond biology: the critical role of social and structural determinants in atopic dermatitis
Authors: Polaskey Meredith Tyree , Chovatiya Raj
Published: September 2024

Atopic dermatitis (AD) is a prevalent chronic inflammatory skin disease with a substantial global burden and negative impact on quality of life. While genetics and pathophysiology are key to understanding AD, emerging evidence indicates that social and structural determinants of health (SDOH and StDOH) strongly influence the condition's onset, severity, and outcomes. SDOH, such as economic stability, education quality and access, healthcare quality and access, neighborhood environment, and social/community context, shape individual risk and disease experience. StDOH, including government processes, economic policies, social/public policies, and cultural/societal values, further act as upstream forces that directly and indirectly influence AD outcomes. In this review, we synthesize current knowledge on the impacts of SDOH and StDOH on AD incidence, severity, and disparities. Embracing a biopsychosocial model is crucial to elucidate the etiology, epidemiology, and optimal management of AD. Future research should adopt a holistic approach, moving beyond a purely biological perspective to consider the intricate interplay of social and structural determinants in understanding and managing AD.
The functional attributes of protein hydrolysates from horsegram (Macrotyloma uniflorum)
Authors: Sharma Vatsala , Ramesh Janani , Thakur Monika , Singh Sridevi Annapurna
Published: September 2024

The functional attributes of enzymatically derived horsegram protein hydrolysates from dehulled horsegram were investigated in this study. Hydrolysates were produced using commercial proteases, namely Alcalase® 2.4L and Protex 6L, at varying degrees of hydrolysis (DH) – specifically, 5%, 8%, and 10%. Maximum DH reached 11% with Alcalase® 2.4L and 11.5% with Protex 6L. Optimal hydrolysis conditions entailed a dehulled horsegram concentration of 2.5% (w/v), an enzyme–substrate ratio (E/S) of 0.001% for Alcalase® 2.4L and 0.002% for Protex 6L, at 55 °C and 60 °C, respectively, for 5 h, maintaining a pH of 7.5. Enhanced solubility was observed across a wide pH range (2–10), with HG‐PH exhibiting an increase from 21% to 56%. Analysis of functional properties revealed a significant elevation (P < 0.05) in both water holding and oil holding capacities with increasing DH. Emulsion activity decreased from 0.5 to 0.1 in proportion to DH increase. Conversely, foaming capacity (FC) showed a positive correlation with the hydrolysis extent, rising from 24% to 98%. However, foam stability decreased across all samples, declining from 84% to 12%. These findings underscore the potential of incorporating these hydrolysates into diverse food applications, capitalising on their heightened solubility, water and oil holding capacities, and foam‐forming characteristics. The comprehensive array of functional properties exhibited by HG‐PH renders it a promising ingredient for integration into food product formulations.
Isolation and characterisation of zinc‐chelating peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) protein hydrolysate
Authors: Shen Zehan , He Shan , Abukhadra Mostafa R. , El‐Sherbeeny Ahmed M. , Zeng Qingzhu , Liu Lixiang , Deng Shanggui , Gao Jingrong
Published: September 2024

This study aimed to isolate and characterise zinc‐chelating peptides from tilapia (Oreochromis niloticus) protein hydrolysate. The hydrolysate was fractionated using a multi‐ultrafiltration technique, yielding peptide fractions with molecular weights between 0.5 and 5 kDa. These fractions were further purified using immobilised metal ion affinity chromatography (IMAC‐Zn2+) and reverse high‐performance liquid chromatography (RP‐HPLC). Among the fractions obtained, the peptide fraction F211 exhibited a zinc‐binding capacity of 76.26 ± 2.46 mg g−1. Sequence analysis indicated that zinc binding occurred at amino acids on the F21 peptide and at valine or glutamate residues on the F22 peptide fraction. Structural characterisation revealed that amino nitrogen and oxygen atoms from carboxylate groups were the primary binding sites for Zn2+. Additionally, the zinc–peptide complex demonstrated strong thermal stability, which is significant for potential applications in food processing and storage, where maintaining the integrity of nutritional supplements under varying temperature conditions is crucial. These findings provide a feasible approach for the separation and purification of zinc‐binding peptides from tilapia protein hydrolysates and contribute to the understanding of the binding mechanisms between zinc and peptides.