bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Assessing the efficacy of ecological reserves: killer whale beach rubbing behaviour and vessel disturbance
Authors: Konrad Clarke CM , Stredulinsky E , Toews S , Rani V , Bouvier-Brown M , Smyth D , Joy R , Thornton SJ
Published: February 2024

Area-based protection is an important tool for safeguarding key habitat. Reserves that focus on mitigation of specific threats are particularly effective and are more likely to support a measurable outcome. In the marine environment, reserves that limit vessel presence have the potential to reduce disturbance to marine mammals. However, assessing the efficacy of reserves has been an ongoing challenge. Physical and acoustic disturbance from vessels is recognized as a primary threat to recovery for the northern resident killer whale (NRKW) population in Canadian Pacific waters. The Robson Bight Michael Bigg Ecological Reserve (RBMBER) was developed to support the behaviour of beach rubbing, a culturally distinct and traditionally important activity. Beach rubbing provides a rare opportunity to quantify vessel disturbance of a behaviour associated with a fixed geographic location, identifiable by visual cues, and verifiable acoustically. Observations on vessel presence, NRKW rubbing frequency, and duration were collected from a beach inside the reserve and compared to a beach in proximity to, but outside of, the RBMBER. In 2019-2022, vessel counts near the RBMBER beach were significantly lower than near the unprotected beach, and overall, rubbing occurred more frequently inside the reserve (78% of visits) than outside (35%). However, outside the reserve, concurrent vessel presence did not predict the occurrence of rubbing activity, indicating that vessel presence may negatively affect beach rubbing through long-term learned avoidance of frequently impacted areas.
Penerapan Aplikasi Pelayanan Rakyat Online Sebagai Layanan Pengaduan Publik di Diskominfo Kota Denpasar Provinsi Bali
Authors: Narayana I Dewa Gede Agung Putra , Amri Ikhlas
Published: February 2024

Penelitian ini dilatarbelakangi dengan mengingat maraknya keluhan masyarakat di media sosial mengenai sarana dan prasarana yang rusak, informasi-informasi yang tidak akurat, fenomena kerusakan alam dimana sangat perlu tindak lanjut dari pemerintah. Tujuan: Tujuan dari penelitian ini adalah mengetahui dan menganalisis penerapan aplikasi pelayanan rakyat online (PRO) sebagai layanan pengaduan publik di Dinas Komunikasi Dan Informatika Kota Denpasar Provinsi Bali. Metode: Penelitian ini menggunakan metode kualitatif deskriptif dengan pendekatan induktif dan analisis terhadap teori e-Government dari Richardus Eko Indrajit. Teknik pengumpulan data dengan menggunakan wawancara mendalam (5 informan), dokumentasi dan observasi. Hasil/Temuan: Masih ada infrastruktur fisik dan digital berupa Kecepatan Sistem Jaringan, Server, Big Data Center Room, Media Center yang perlu ditingkatkan lagi. Kesimpulan: Menunjukan bahwa penerapan Aplikasi PRO Denpasar sudah terlaksana dengan baik, namun dalam penerapannya di masyarakat masih belum sepenuhnya diterapkan oleh masyarakat hal ini. Meskipun terdapat beberapa hambatan namun upaya yang telah dilakukan oleh pemerintah dalam mengatasi hambatan tersebut adalah menyelenggarakan kegiatan sosialisasi kepada masyarakat secara terprogram.
How can arts-based methods support narrative inquiry into adult learning in the arts?
Authors: Broadhead Samantha Jane , Hooper Sharon
Published: February 2024

This article considers an arts-based project, Learning Returns (2023), that seeks to capture the experiences of adults who have returned to arts study after some time away from formal education. The aims of the project are twofold: firstly, to evaluate the combination of narrative inquiry and digital film-making hosted on YouTube as a method of investigating adult learning and secondly, through an analysis of the Learning Returns content, to discover what themes the participants considered important to communicate to an imagined, virtual audience. The findings suggested that the aesthetics of the videos/films interconnect with the lived experiences of the participants. The participants were able to give an account of their experiences spontaneously, and at the same time communicate messages of hope to prospective adult returners. It was also discovered that the editing process offers a means of analysing the content of the films that is analogous to the approaches associated with qualitative research.
Visualizing the invisible: novel approaches to visualizing bacterial proteins and host-pathogen interactions
Authors: Singh Moirangthem Kiran , Kenney Linda J.
Published: February 2024

Host-pathogen interactions play a critical role in infectious diseases, and understanding the underlying mechanisms is vital for developing effective therapeutic strategies. The visualization and characterization of bacterial proteins within host cells is key to unraveling the dynamics of these interactions. Various protein labeling strategies have emerged as powerful tools for studying host-pathogen interactions, enabling the tracking, localization, and functional analysis of bacterial proteins in real-time. However, the labeling and localization of Salmonella secreted type III secretion system (T3SS) effectors in host cells poses technical challenges. Conventional methods disrupt effector stoichiometry and often result in non-specific staining. Bulky fluorescent protein fusions interfere with effector secretion, while other tagging systems such as 4Cys-FLaSH/Split-GFP suffer from low labeling specificity and a poor signal-to-noise ratio. Recent advances in state-of-the-art techniques have augmented the existing toolkit for monitoring the translocation and dynamics of bacterial effectors. This comprehensive review delves into the bacterial protein labeling strategies and their application in imaging host-pathogen interactions. Lastly, we explore the obstacles faced and potential pathways forward in the realm of protein labeling strategies for visualizing interactions between hosts and pathogens.
Flight calls and trills of Evening Grosbeaks can be used to map movements and ranges of call types 1 and 2
Authors: Robinson W. Douglas , Nanau Maria , Kirsch William , Centanni Caleb T. , Clements Nolan M.
Published: February 2024

Evening Grosbeak (Coccothraustes vespertinus) is a species of North American Fringillid finch thought to be one of the fastest declining songbirds across North America. It has been divided into five groups, potentially distinct lineages, based in part on structure of their flight calls. The primary flight calls of each type exhibit structural variation that has not been described and the degree to which that variation might lead to identification errors has not been quantified. We describe the variation in call structure of type 1 Evening Grosbeaks recorded at a spring migratory stopover site (Corvallis, Oregon) and nearby areas in the Pacific Northwest, USA. We recorded grosbeaks weekly from April through early June 2023. We reviewed more than 10,000 recorded call notes to characterize the variety of calls and their configurations. We found a high diversity of call notes including at least 11 recurring readily identifiable variants of the primary flight calls, all of which were attributed to individuals thought to be type 1 birds. Geographically, the nearest neighbors of type 1 Evening Grosbeaks are type 2s, which have uncommonly been recorded in our study area but whose breeding range appears to overlap that of type 1 in southern Oregon. We quantified recordings of type 2 flight calls and compared them with type 1 flight calls, finding that linear discriminant function analyses correctly identified >95% of recordings to type. Inclusion of a metric of asymmetry in call shape improved correct classification to 98.5%. We also found that the other dominant calls given by both types, buzzy trills, could be identified correctly to type with a high level of confidence. The sufficiently different characteristics of flight calls and trills indicate that types 1 and 2 are identifiable spectrographically in most cases, providing confidence that the geographic distribution and migratory movements of call-type populations, despite being essentially identical in plumage, can be documented effectively by characteristics of call notes.
Exosomes: a promising avenue for cancer diagnosis beyond treatment
Authors: Wang Zhu , Wang Qianqian , Qin Feng , Chen Jie
Published: February 2024

Exosomes, extracellular vesicles secreted by cells, have garnered significant attention in recent years for their remarkable therapeutic potential. These nanoscale carriers can be harnessed for the targeted delivery of therapeutic agents, such as pharmaceuticals, proteins, and nucleic acids, across biological barriers. This versatile attribute of exosomes is a promising modality for precision medicine applications, notably in the realm of cancer therapy. However, despite their substantial therapeutic potential, exosomes still confront challenges tied to standardization and scalability that impede their practice in clinical applications. Moreover, heterogeneity in isolation methodologies and limited cargo loading mechanisms pose obstacles to ensuring consistent outcomes, thereby constraining their therapeutic utility. In contrast, exosomes exhibit a distinct advantage in cancer diagnosis, as they harbor specific signatures reflective of the tumor’s genetic and proteomic profile. This characteristic endows them with the potential to serve as valuable liquid biopsies for non-invasive and real-time monitoring, making possible early cancer detection for the development of personalized treatment strategies. In this review, we provide an extensive evaluation of the advancements in exosome research, critically examining their advantages and limitations in the context of cancer therapy and early diagnosis. Furthermore, we present a curated overview of the most recent technological innovations utilizing exosomes, with a focus on enhancing the efficacy of early cancer detection.
Genetic characterization of chicken infectious anaemia viruses isolated in Korea and their pathogenicity in chicks
Authors: Song HyeSoon , Kim HyeonSu , Kwon YongKuk , Kim HyeRyoung
Published: February 2024

Chicken infectious anaemia virus (CIAV) causes severe anemia and immunosuppression through horizontal or vertical transmission in young chickens. Especially, vertical transmission of virus through the egg can lead to significantly economic losses due to the increased mortality in the broiler industry. Here, 28 CIAV complete sequences circulating in Korea were first characterized using the newly designed primers. Phylogenetic analysis based on the complete sequences revealed that CIAV isolates were divided into four groups, IIa (2/28, 7.1%), IIb (9/28, 32.1%), IIIa (8/28, 28.6%) and IIIb (9/28, 32.1%), and exhibited a close relationship to each other. The major groups were IIb, IIIa and IIIb, and no strains were clustered with a vaccine strain available in Korea. Also, for viral titration, we newly developed a quantitative PCR assay that is highly sensitive, reliable and simple. To investigate the pathogenicity of three major genotypes, 18R001(IIb), 08AQ017A(IIIa), and 17AD008(IIIb) isolates were challenged into one-day-old specific-pathogen-free (SPF) chicks. Each CIAV strain caused anaemia, severe growth retardation and immunosuppression in chickens regardless of CIAV genotypes. Notably, a 17AD008 strain showed stable cellular adaptability and higher virus titer in vitro as well as higher pathogenicity in vivo. Taken together, our study provides valuable information to understand molecular characterization, genetic diversity and pathogenicity of CIAV to improve management and control of CIA in poultry farm.
Attitudes towards STEM education: nonlinear effects of teachers’ readiness and the crucial role of affective conditions
Authors: Vaiopoulou Julie , Papagiannopoulou Theano , Stamovlasis Dimitrios
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Teacher attitudes (Att) toward STEM—Science, Technology, Engineering, and Mathematics—education is decisive for its successful integration into contemporary curricula. On the other hand, teachers’ readiness for STEM influences their attitudes and controls their behavior in everyday practice.

Methods

In this study, the four dimensions of readiness for STEM, i.e., affective conditions (Affe), cognitive preparedness (Cogn), self-efficacy (SEff), and STEM commitment (Com), measured via the TRi-STEM scale, were tested as predictors of attitudes using non-linear models. Data were taken from teachers (N = 494) who completed the TRi-STEM questionnaire and the attitudes towards STEM scale for measuring attitudes. Catastrophe theory was applied, and three cusp models, superior to the linear and logistic counterparts, were proposed predicting attitudes (Att) as a function of combinations of Cogn, SEff, Com, and Affe.

Results

The three models are as follows: Cusp 1 with (Cogn – Affe) as asymmetry and (Cogn + Affe) as bifurcation factors; Cusp 2 with (Com – Affe) as asymmetry and (Com + Affe) as bifurcation factors, and Cusp 3 with (SEff – Affe) as asymmetry and (SEff + Affe) as bifurcation factors. The findings showed that affective conditions involved in a dynamic interplay with other independent variables could lead to sudden and abrupt changes in Att.

Discussion

The empirical evidence for non-linear effects in teacher attitudes (Att) toward STEM informs theory development and practice by supporting the complexity and dynamical system framework as a more realistic premise to describe and interpret potentially occurring phenomena of teachers’ behavior in the context of STEM education.
Inventors emerging in-school and out-of-school: six iterations of educational design to promote equitable student engagement
Authors: Jackson David W. , Zhang Helen , Asante Christian K. , Semerjian Amy R. , Barnett G. Michael , Couch Stephanie , Estabrooks Leigh , Kiel Jeffrey , Kulkarni Neema
Published: February 2024

Invention education is an emerging field that shows promise for fostering equitable student engagement, especially related to disciplines of science, technology, engineering, arts, and mathematics (STEAM), in both classroom and informal learning. A central concept for practitioners, researchers, and evaluators, student engagement connects with academic, socioemotional, career, and civic success. Nonetheless, more work is needed to ensure more equitable approaches to educational design for student engagement, especially with youth of one or more minoritized identity markers (e.g., Black, Brown, or Indigenous youth; female or non-binary youth; youth from lower socioeconomic statuses; etc.). This Curriculum, Instruction, and Pedagogy article describes six iterations of educational designs for invention education with grades 6–8 classes and camps. Three of the iterations revised the same curriculum for grade 7 classes (N ~ 160 students/year), and the other three iterations involved similar yet distinct curricula for grades 6–8 camps (N ~ 25 students/year). Taking a cultural psychology approach to design-based research, we conducted a phenomenological mixed-methods study for convergence. That is, we iteratively refined educational designs within given microcultures, and we sought to better understand participants’ lived experiences. We share evidence of high affective, behavioral, and cognitive engagement, within and between both individual and social levels, alongside development of self-efficacy with respect to ability beliefs and anxiety management. With a few exceptions, our findings suggest equitable participation of youth. These findings we connect with educational design considerations, including individual vs. social supports, explicit attention to youths’ hobbies and peer-inventors, and formative assessment that broadens response scales and gradations of challenge. Our work supports a more nuanced and socially-situated six-dimensional framework for student engagement, expanding upon commonly-used three-and four-dimensional models. We conclude with local and transferrable implications, towards the main goal of fostering equitable student engagement in science and engineering through invention education.
Research on compressed air energy storage systems using cascade phase-change technology for matching fluctuating wind power generation
Authors: Wang Kangxiang , Chen Laijun , Li Xiaozhu , Zhu Chuang
Published: February 2024

The wind speed varies randomly over a wide range, causing the output wind power to fluctuate in large amplitude. An isobaric adiabatic compressed air energy storage system using a cascade of phase-change materials (CPCM-IA-CAES) is proposed to cope with the problem of large fluctuations in wind farm output power. When the input power is lower than the minimum energy storage power of the compressor, the gradient phase-change thermal energy storage is utilized to broaden the operating range of the system. Second, the system design method and operation rules are elaborated. The storage/release characteristic curve is obtained by constructing the system components and the overall variable operating condition model. A matching system scheme is designed according to the characteristics of a wind farm in a port in China. The case study shows that the wind farm configured with the CPCM-IA-CAES system reduces the wind abandonment rate by 5.7%, recovers 4,644.46 kW h of wind power abandonment, and improves the storage power index by 16.67% compared with that of IA-CAES. Meanwhile, the system efficiency is increased from 65.96% to 74.68%, and the energy storage density is increased from 8.69 to 9.89 kW h m−3.
Interplay of socio-economic and environmental factors in shaping urban plant biodiversity: a comprehensive analysis
Authors: Zhang Hai-Li , Nizamani Mir Muhammad , Guo Lin-Yuan , Cui Jianpeng , Padullés Cubino Josep , Hughes Alice C. , Wang Hua-Feng
Published: February 2024

Urban environments are dynamic landscapes shaped by a multitude of factors, including environmental conditions and socio-economic influences. This study systematically investigates how various factors shape urban plant diversity in Haikou City, Hainan Province, China, focusing on 30 key drivers including socio-economic aspects, biophysical conditions, landscape elements, and management practices. Our research methodology involved a comprehensive analysis of these factors’ impact on six types of urban plant species: spontaneous, native spontaneous, exotic spontaneous, cultivated, native cultivated, and exotic cultivated. Conducted in urban areas with varying population densities and landscape features, our sampling approach aimed to understand the species’ distribution patterns. We discovered significant correlations between plant species diversity and specific environmental and socio-economic variables. Our results indicate that spontaneous species are prevalent in densely populated areas with strong social ties, whereas areas rich in tree and shrub cover see fewer such species. Native cultivated species favor more serene, less urbanized landscapes, while exotic cultivated species are predominantly found in economically affluent areas with diverse vegetation. These findings offer valuable insights for urban planning and biodiversity conservation, emphasizing the need for customized greening strategies that align with local environmental and social contexts. By adopting such tailored approaches, urban planners can more effectively manage landscapes, enrich green spaces, and foster biodiverse, sustainable ecosystems. This research not only enhances our understanding of urban plant biodiversity but also lays the groundwork for future studies and policy-making, promoting harmonious integration of diverse plant life within urban settings.
Salient features and ecosystem services of tree species in mountainous indigenous agroforestry systems of North-Eastern Tanzania
Authors: Kimaro Oforo Didas , Desie Ellen , Kimaro Didas Nahum , Vancampenhout Karen , Feger Karl-Heinz
Published: February 2024

Indigenous agroforestry systems in tropical mountainous environments provide crucial ecosystem services, but these ecosystems are also facing some challenges. A loss of diversity and native tree species in the overstory layer has been a growing concern in agroforestry worldwide, yet the drivers behind it remain inadequately understood. We hypothesize that the choice of overstory tree species is closely linked to the ecosystem services required by farmers, their livelihood strategy, and the salient features of each system. We, therefore, investigated four different farming systems in the mountains of northeastern Tanzania, i.e., the Kihamba on Mt. Kilimanjaro, Ginger agroforestry in the South Pare mountains, and Miraba and Mixed spices agroforestry in the West and East Usambara. In 82 farms, we collected data on the structure, tree species composition (both native and non-native), diversity, and associated provisioning ecosystem services as identified by smallholder farmers. Our results indicate that although all studied systems are multi-layered with three or four vertical layers, they have notable differences in their salient features concerning structure, composition, and diversity. The unique climate, landscape setting, soil, historical background, and economic opportunities that exist in each region contribute to those differences. Our findings indicate that the Kihamba system had the highest number of native tree species, and the largest diversity in species used for provisioning services, followed by Ginger agroforestry. No native species were used in Miraba or Mixed spices agroforestry, where a limited number of non-native tree species are planted mainly for fuel and timber or as a crop, respectively. Our findings regarding reported provisioning ES corroborate our hypothesis and imply that policies to increase resilience and restore the native tree species cover of the agroforestry systems of Tanzania can only be successful if knowledge of the ES potential of native species is increased, and interventions are tailored to each system’s ES needs for conservation as well as livelihood.
Plastic-less equipment for sampling marine microplastics
Authors: Todd Peter A. , Yong Clara Lei Xin , Foo Sze Hui , Ying Lynette Shu Min , Ledet Janine
Published: February 2024

Marine microplastics have become a pernicious global pollution issue. As field surveys to determine microplastic abundance in the marine environment and/or biota become more common, it is important to refine collection techniques to minimize contamination of samples. However, most contemporary sampling equipment is fabricated with plastic components. Microplastic contamination during sample collection can be minimized from the onset by employing techniques that are plastic-less or with minimal plastic-to-sample contact. Here we describe plastic-less equipment and techniques for field sampling of water, sediment, and organisms. Some of these are traditional designs that pre-date the plastic era and can be revived or repurposed for microplastic sampling. Others are self-developed and fabricated using materials such as metal, wood, silk, and cork. For relatively small costs in time and funds, it is possible to greatly reduce, or eliminate, plastics from the field sampling process.
Poly (γ) glutamic acid: a unique microbial biopolymer with diverse commercial applicability
Authors: Elbanna Khaled , Alsulami Fatimah S. , Neyaz Leena A. , Abulreesh Hussein H.
Published: February 2024

Microbial biopolymers have emerged as promising solutions for environmental pollution-related human health issues. Poly-γ-glutamic acid (γ-PGA), a natural anionic polymeric compound, is composed of highly viscous homo-polyamide of D and L-glutamic acid units. The extracellular water solubility of PGA biopolymer facilitates its complete biodegradation and makes it safe for humans. The unique properties have enabled its applications in healthcare, pharmaceuticals, water treatment, foods, and other domains. It is applied as a thickener, taste-masking agent, stabilizer, texture modifier, moisturizer, bitterness-reducing agent, probiotics cryoprotectant, and protein crystallization agent in food industries. γ-PGA is employed as a biological adhesive, drug carrier, and non-viral vector for safe gene delivery in tissue engineering, pharmaceuticals, and medicine. It is also used as a moisturizer to improve the quality of hair care and skincare cosmetic products. In agriculture, it serves as an ideal stabilizer, environment-friendly fertilizer synergist, plant-growth promoter, metal biosorbent in soil washing, and animal feed additive to reduce body fat and enhance egg-shell strength.
Enhancing manufacturing operations with synthetic data: a systematic framework for data generation, accuracy, and utility
Authors: Buggineni Vishnupriya , Chen Cheng , Camelio Jaime
Published: February 2024

Addressing the challenges of data scarcity and privacy, synthetic data generation offers an innovative solution that advances manufacturing assembly operations and data analytics. Serving as a viable alternative, it enables manufacturers to leverage a broader and more diverse range of machine learning models by incorporating the creation of artificial data points for training and evaluation. Current methods lack generalizable framework for researchers to follow and solve these issues. The development of synthetic data sets, however, can make up for missing samples and enable researchers to understand existing issues within the manufacturing process and create data-driven tools for reducing manufacturing costs. This paper systematically reviews both discrete and continuous manufacturing process data types with their applicable synthetic generation techniques. The proposed framework entails four main stages: Data collection, pre-processing, synthetic data generation, and evaluation. To validate the framework’s efficacy, a case study leveraging synthetic data enabled an exploration of complex defect classification challenges in the packaging process. The results show enhanced prediction accuracy and provide a detailed comparative analysis of various synthetic data strategies. This paper concludes by highlighting our framework’s transformative potential for researchers, educators, and practitioners and provides scalable guidance to solve the data challenges in the current manufacturing sector.
A case for seeking sex-specific treatments in Alzheimer’s disease
Authors: Lynch Marina A.
Published: February 2024

There is no satisfactory explanation for the sex-related differences in the incidence of many diseases and this is also true of Alzheimer’s disease (AD), where females have a higher lifetime risk of developing the disease and make up about two thirds of the AD patient population. The importance of understanding the cause(s) that account for this disproportionate distribution cannot be overestimated, and is likely to be a significant factor in the search for therapeutic strategies that will combat the disease and, furthermore, potentially point to a sex-targeted approach to treatment. This review considers the literature in the context of what is known about the impact of sex on processes targeted by drugs that are in clinical trial for AD, and existing knowledge on differing responses of males and females to these drugs. Current knowledge strongly supports the view that trials should make assessing sex-related difference in responses a priority with a focus on exploring the sex-stratified treatments.
Valid olfactory impairment tests can help identify mild cognitive impairment: an updated meta-analysis
Authors: Zhou Chunyi , Yang Chongming , Ai Yating , Fang Xueling , Zhang Ailin , Wang Yuncui , Hu Hui
Published: February 2024

Background

Olfactory testing is emerging as a potentially effective screening method for identifying mild cognitive impairment in the elderly population.

Objective

Olfactory impairment is comorbid with mild cognitive impairment (MCI) in older adults but is not well-documented in subdomains of either olfactory or subtypes of cognitive impairments in older adults. This meta-analysis was aimed at synthesizing the differentiated relationships with updated studies.

Methods

A systematic search was conducted in seven databases from their availability to April 2023. A total of 38 publications were included, including 3,828 MCI patients and 8,160 healthy older adults. Two investigators independently performed the literature review, quality assessment, and data extraction. The meta-analyses were conducted with Stata to estimate the average effects and causes of the heterogeneity.

Results

Compared to normal adults, MCI patients had severe impairments in olfactory function and severe deficits in specific domains of odor identification and discrimination. Olfactory impairment was more severe in patients with amnestic mild cognitive impairment than in patients with non-amnestic MCI. Diverse test instruments of olfactory function caused large heterogeneity in effect sizes.

Conclusion

Valid olfactory tests can be complementary tools for accurate screening of MCI in older adults.
A new, potential and safe neoadjuvant therapy strategy in epidermal growth factor receptor mutation-positive resectable non-small-cell lung cancer-targeted therapy: a retrospective study
Authors: Liu Baoxing , Liu Xingyu , Xing Huifang , Ma Haibo , Lv Zhenyu , Zheng Yan , Xing Wenqun
Published: February 2024

Background

Studies of epidermal growth factor receptor (EGFR) tyrosine kinase inhibitors (TKIs) in resectable non-small-cell lung cancer (NSCLC) have been conducted. The purpose of our study was to evaluate the benefits of osimertinib as neoadjuvant therapy for resectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC.

Method

This retrospective study evaluated patients with EGFR mutations in exon 19 or 21 who received targeted therapy with osimertinib (80 mg per day) before surgery between January 2019 and October 2023 in Henan Cancer Hospital.

Results

Twenty patients were evaluated, all of whom underwent surgery. The rate of R0 resection was 100% (20/20). The objective response rate was 80% (16/20), and the disease control rate was 95% (19/20). Postoperative pathological analysis showed a 25% (5/20) major pathological response rate and 15% (3/20) pathological complete response rate. In total, 25% (5/20) developed adverse events (AEs), and the rate of grades 3–4 AEs was 10% (2/20). One patient experienced a grade 3 skin rash, and 1 patient experienced grade 3 diarrhea.

Conclusion

Osimertinib as neoadjuvant therapy for resectable EGFR-mutated NSCLC is safe and well tolerated. Osimertinib has the potential to improve the radical resection rate and prognosis.
Probing the potential of CdZnTe for high-energy high-flux 2D X-ray detection using the XIDer incremental digital integrating readout
Authors: Collonge Marin , Baussens Oriane , Busca Paolo , Fajardo Pablo , Fischer Peter , Martin Thierry , Ritzert Michael , Ruat Marie , Schimansky David , Williams Morag
Published: February 2024

The latest synchrotron radiation sources have the capability to produce X-ray beams with a photon flux that can be up to three orders of magnitude higher than previous-generation facilities, and that are not manageable by the currently available 2D photon-counting pixel detectors. The construction of new detectors that exceed the limitations of existing devices is a critical strategic need. Developing such detectors is a challenge in terms of readout electronics as well as sensor material, particularly in the case of devices intended to operate at X-ray energies above 30 keV. The approach adopted at the ESRF to deal with this major difficulty is twofold: the use of a novel semiconductor material with improved electrical properties, high-flux CdZnTe, and the investigation of a specific readout scheme, incremental digital integration, via the XIDer project in collaboration with the University of Heidelberg. Incremental digital integration is a method intended to be less sensitive to variations of the dark current than the conventional charge integration readout. However, this readout scheme requires that the leakage current from the sensor material stays below a certain threshold to reduce the leakage contributions. This paper introduces the ESRF strategy and few examples of the methods employed to evaluate the performance and leakage current behavior of high-flux CdZnTe pixelated sensors. These examples illustrate the first results obtained with this material under moderate to very high X-ray irradiation fluxes of up to 1012 photons/mm2/s.
Molecular mechanism of cleavage of SARS-CoV-2 spike protein by plasma generated RONS
Authors: Tan Shihao , Zhu Haiwei , Liu Dawei , Zhang Song , Chen Hongxiang
Published: February 2024

Recently, it is been shown that cold atmospheric pressure plasmas Cold Atmospheric Plasma effectively inactivate the 2019-nCoV virus. Despite this promising finding, the precise mechanism of this inactivation remains unclear due to the limited number of studies conducted on the subject. Consequently, this paper focuses on the spike protein, a crucial part of the novel coronavirus, and the various reactive oxygen and nitrogen species (RONS) generated by the plasma. The study employs reactive molecular dynamics simulation and ReaxFF potential to explore the reactions between the spike protein molecules and different reactive oxygen nitrogen species (including H2O2, OH, O, O3, HOONO, and 1O2). The findings suggest that when a single RONS interacts with the spike protein, 1O2 and HOONO have the most potent ability to sever the spike protein. Additionally, the combined effect of long-lived and short-lived RONS presents a more potent decomposition impact.
Preparing for the next pandemic: predictors and effects of COVID-19 remote learning
Authors: Brenner Bodhi A. , Thompson-Brenner Heather
Published: February 2024

Background

The COVID-19 pandemic forced school closures and rapid transitions to distance learning, which were widely associated with negative effects on educational attainment and mental health among youth. Research is now emerging about the relationship between distance learning and educational outcomes, as well as factors that sped or delayed the return of in-person learning in specific geographic regions. In the state of Massachusetts, in the United States, high schools (9th–12th grade) varied in the length of time that passed before in-person learning was offered. This study investigated (1) what factors were associated with the date at which schools implemented hybrid/in-person learning, and (2) what factors, including time in remote learning, were associated with loss of educational attainment.

Methods

The sample included N = 267 regional/local high schools. Analyses investigated whether time to hybrid/in-person learning was associated with the percentage of students from low-income households and from minority ethnic/racial groups, local political affiliations and COVID incidence rate in September 2020, and the size of the district. The second set of analyses examined whether the high schools’ observed losses in standardized math test scores between 2019 and 2021 were associated with the amount of time students remained in exclusively remote learning, as well as the percentage of students from low-income households and minority ethnic/racial groups, the COVID cumulative incidence rate in the region by April 2021, and the size of the school district.

Results

Multiple linear regression analysis examining variance in the date at which hybrid/in-person learning was implemented was most strongly predicted by the size of the school district. Multiple linear regression analysis examining variance in the loss of educational attainment was most strongly predicted by the percentage of students from low-income households in the high school. Exploratory analyses comparing charter schools with regional public high schools found that charter schools showed significantly greater loss of educational attainment, contrary to hypotheses.

Conclusion

Additional protections for students from larger school districts, lower-income families, and charter schools are needed in case of future population-level disruptions in education.
Joint problem-solving orientation, mutual value recognition, and performance in fluid teamwork environments
Authors: Kerrissey Michaela , Novikov Zhanna
Published: February 2024

Introduction

Joint problem-solving orientation (JPS) has been identified as a factor that promotes performance in fluid teamwork, but research on this factor remains nascent. This study pushes the frontier of understanding about JPS in fluid teamwork environments by applying the concept to within-organization work and exploring its relationships with performance, mutual value recognition (MVR), and expertise variety (EV).

Methods

This is a longitudinal, survey-based field study within a large United States healthcare organization n = 26,319 (2019 response rate = 87%, 2021 response rate = 80%). The analytic sample represents 1,608 departmental units in both years (e.g., intensive care units and emergency departments). We focus on departmental units in distinct locations as the units within which fluid teamwork occurs in the hospital system setting. Within these units, we measure JPS in 2019 and MVR in 2021, and we capture EV by unit using a count of the number of disciplines present. For a performance measure, we draw on the industry-used measurement of perceived care quality and safety. We conduct moderated mediation analysis testing (1) the main effect of JPS on performance, (2) mediation through MVR, and (3) EV as a moderator.

Results

Our results affirm a moderated mediation model wherein JPS enhances performance, both directly and through MVR; EV serves as a moderator in the JPS-MVR relationship. JPS positively influences MVR, irrespective of whether EV is high or low. When JPS is lower, greater EV is associated with lower MVR, whereas amid high JPS, greater EV is associated with higher MVR, as compared to lower EV.

Discussion

Our findings lend further evidence to the value of JPS in fluid teamwork environments for enabling performance, and we document for the first time its relevance for within-organization work. Our results suggest that one vital pathway for JPS to improve performance is through enhancing recognition of the value that others offer, especially in environments where expertise variety is high.
Perceptions of stigma among people with lived experience of methamphetamine use within the hospital setting: qualitative point-in-time interviews and thematic analyses of experiences
Authors: Forchuk Cheryl , Serrato Jonathan , Scott Leanne
Published: February 2024

Objectives

As part of a larger mixed-methods study into harm reduction in the hospital setting and people with lived experience of methamphetamine use, stigma was found to be a prominent issue. The aim of this secondary analysis was to investigate the issue of stigma.

Design

Participants completed a one-time qualitative interview component to assess their experiences in the hospital setting.

Setting

The study setting included secondary and tertiary care in Southwestern Ontario, Canada. Participants who had received care from these settings were also recruited from an overdose prevention site, a primary healthcare center, a national mental health organization, an affordable housing agency, and six homeless-serving agencies between October 2020 and April 2021.

Participants

A total of 104 individuals completed the qualitative component of a mixed-methods interview. Sixty-seven participants identified as male, thirty-six identified as female, and one identified as non-binary. Inclusion criteria included past or current use of methamphetamine, having received services from a hospital, and being able to communicate in English.

Methods

Open-ended questions regarding experiences in the hospital setting were asked in relation to the lived experience of methamphetamine. A secondary analysis was conducted post-hoc using a thematic ethnographic approach due to prominent perceptions of stigma.

Results

Three themes were identified. The first theme identified that substance use was perceived as a moral and personal choice; the second theme pertained to social stigmas such as income, housing and substance use, and consequences such as being shunned or feeling less worthy than the general patient population; and the third theme highlighted health consequences such as inadequate treatment or pain management.

Conclusion

This study revealed that stigma can have consequences that extend beyond the therapeutic relationship and into the healthcare of the individual. Additional training and education for healthcare providers represents a key intervention to ensure care is non-stigmatizing and patient-centered, as well as changing hospital culture.
Relationships between triglyceride-glucose index and incident gestational diabetes mellitus: a prospective cohort study of a Korean population using publicly available data
Authors: Mo Zihe , Cao Changchun , Han Yong , Hu Haofei , He Yongcheng , Zuo Xin
Published: February 2024

Background

The connection between the triglyceride-glucose index (TyG index) and gestational diabetes mellitus (GDM) is currently debated. Our study aimed to investigate the connection between the TyG index and GDM within the Korean population.

Methods

Using publically accessible data in Korea, we performed a secondary study on a sample of 589 pregnant women who were carrying a single fetus. The analysis employed a binary logistic regression model, some sensitivity analyses, and subgroup analysis to investigate the association between the TyG index and the occurrence of GDM. To assess the TyG index’s potential to predict GDM, a receiver operating characteristic (ROC) study was also carried out.

Results

The mean age of the pregnant women was 32.065 ± 3.798 years old, while the mean TyG index was 8.352 ± 0.400. The prevalence rate of GDM was found to be 6.112%. Upon adjusting for potential confounding variables, a positive association was detected between the TyG index and incident GDM (OR = 12.923, 95%CI: 3.581–46.632, p = 0.00009). The validity of this connection was further confirmed by subgroup analysis and sensitivity analyses. With an area under the ROC curve of 0.807 (95%CI: 0.734–0.879), the TyG index showed strong predictive power for GDM. The TyG index’s ideal cutoff value for detecting GDM was found to be 8.632, with a sensitivity of 78.7% and a specificity of 72.2%.

Conclusion

The findings of our study provide evidence that an increased TyG index is significantly associated with the occurrence of GDM. Utilizing the TyG index during the 10–14 week gestational period may be a valuable tool in identifying pregnant individuals at a heightened risk for developing GDM. Early detection enables timely and efficacious interventions, thereby enhancing the prognosis of affected individuals.
What is the impact of artificial intelligence-based chatbots on infodemic management?
Authors: Morita Plinio P. , Lotto Matheus , Kaur Jasleen , Chumachenko Dmytro , Oetomo Arlene , Espiritu Kristopher Dylan , Hussain Irfhana Zakir
Published: February 2024

Artificial intelligence (AI) chatbots have the potential to revolutionize online health information-seeking behavior by delivering up-to-date information on a wide range of health topics. They generate personalized responses to user queries through their ability to process extensive amounts of text, analyze trends, and generate natural language responses. Chatbots can manage infodemic by debunking online health misinformation on a large scale. Nevertheless, system accuracy remains technically challenging. Chatbots require training on diverse and representative datasets, security to protect against malicious actors, and updates to keep up-to-date on scientific progress. Therefore, although AI chatbots hold significant potential in assisting infodemic management, it is essential to approach their outputs with caution due to their current limitations.
Numerical Determination of the Load-Bearing Capacity of a Perforated Thin-Walled Beam in a Structural System with a Steel Grating
Authors: Denisiewicz Arkadiusz , Socha Tomasz , Kula Krzysztof , Macek Wojciech , Błażejewski Wojciech , Lesiuk Grzegorz
Published: February 2024

This article presents the results of numerical simulations of a structural system consisting of steel perforated thin-walled beams and a steel grating. The simulations were conducted using the finite element method. The analysis took into account physical and geometric nonlinearity as well as the contact between the steel grating and the beams. The main goal of the research was to develop load-bearing curves for the main beam in the span range of 3–6 m and to identify destruction patterns depending on the span of the structural system. For the purpose of validating the developed numerical model, laboratory tests were conducted on two structural systems with spans of 3 m and 6 m, as well as tests on the strength parameters of the material taken from the tested beams. The laboratory tests confirmed the correctness of the proposed numerical model, which allowed for the simulation of the behavior of the structural system in the full range of spans.
How Urban-Tolerant Are They? Testing Prey–Capture Behavior of Introduced Jorō Spiders (Trichonephila clavata) Next to Busy Roads
Authors: Davis Andrew K. , Stewart Kade , Phelan Caitlin , Schultz Alexa
Published: February 2024

An invasive orb-weaving spider from east Asia is now spreading through the southeastern United States; Trichonephila clavata (the “jorō spider”) makes large, imposing webs seemingly everywhere, including in urban landscapes, and even next to busy roads. However, areas near roads come with frequent disturbances, including auditory and vibrational, which for many animals, leads to physiological or behavioral changes. Here we tested if varying levels of road traffic affect the prey–capture behavior of jorō spiders in northeast Georgia. We visited roadsides that ranged in traffic density and exposed nearby jorō spiders to a simulated prey (a tuning fork at 128 hz frequency, touched to the web), and recorded whether or not the spider attacked it. Out of 357 total trials across 20 different roads, jorō spiders attacked the simulated prey 59% of the time, but at the local scale, there was high variability in this rate; at some roadsides, over 80% of the spiders attacked, while at others, less than 30% did. When all roads were considered collectively, there was a small but significant (negative) correlation between daily road traffic and spider attack rates. Put another way, spiders near moderate- to heavy-traffic roads were slightly less likely to attack than those near low-traffic roads (51% vs. 65%). Jorō spiders appear to be able to live near roads, but this does come with a cost in terms of prey capture. However, spiders near busier roads did not weigh less than those in other sites, suggesting they may be able to compensate for the disturbance. These findings add to the accumulating evidence around this species that points to its ability to exist in human-dominated landscapes, which will likely aid its spread in the introduced range.