bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Association of frailty with physical activity behaviour and well-being in older employees: moderated mediation by functional difficulty
Authors: Danquah Emelia , Asiamah Nestor , Jnr Reginald Arthur-Mensah , Chan Alex Sui Wing , Khan Hafiz T. A.
Published: January 2025

Background

Many studies have highlighted the association between frailty, physical activity behaviour (PAB), and well-being, but no study has investigated a potential moderated mediating role of functional difficulty in this relationship. This association may not be the same between different income levels. This study, therefore, assessed the above moderated mediation between low- and higher-income samples.

Methods

This research employed a cross-sectional design in accordance with established research-reporting guidelines. The study population comprised two distinct Ghanaian samples, with N = 942 individuals in the low-income group and N = 600 individuals in the higher income group. Data analysis was carried out using Hayes's Process model through structural equation modelling, with additional sensitivity analyses performed through hierarchical linear regression.

Results

Frailty had a direct negative effect and an indirect negative effect (through functional difficulty) on well-being in both samples. A partial mediation of functional difficulty was found in the relationship between frailty and well-being in both samples. We also found evidence of a moderated mediation by functional difficulty in both samples; however, this effect was stronger in the higher-income sample.

Conclusion

Older employees with frailty are less likely to report lower functional difficulty and well-being at higher PAB. Our results suggest a need for workplace programmes aimed at encouraging PAB. It also reinforces the importance of individuals performing and maintaining PAB.
Use of erectile dysfunction treatments after prostate cancer treatment and their perceived impact on men’s sex life: an analysis of patient reported outcome survey data
Authors: Charlick Megan , Tiruye Tenaw , Ettridge Kerry , O’Callaghan Michael , Jay Alex , Beckmann Kerri
Published: January 2025

Background

Although sexual dysfunction is a common treatment side-effect affecting men’s quality of life, many prostate cancer patients do not receive or seek out treatments for erectile dysfunction (ED). The aims of this study are to investigate the extent and patterns of use of ED treatments and their perceived impact at different times following prostate cancer treatment.

Methods

This retrospective cohort study included all men on the South Australian prostate cancer registry who completed one or more Patient Reported Outcome Measures (PROMs) survey from 2016 to 2023 (n = 5561). Outcomes included self-reported use of ED treatment (oral medications, intra-cavernosal injections (ICI) and vacuum pumps) and their impact men’s sex life at various time points after treatment. The type and timing of ED treatments used was analysed descriptively. Sociodemographic and clinical characteristics associated with utilisation and self-reported satisfaction were examined using multivariable mixed-effects binomial logistic regression.

Results

Post-treatment use of ED treatments did not exceed 43% at any timepoint, with utilisation rates decreasing over time. Oral medications were most frequently used, while vacuum pump and ICI use was limited. Oral medications were more likely to be used at three-months (odds ratio [OR] = 2.48; 95% confidence interval [95%CI] = 1.88–3.27) and six-months (OR = 2.10; 95%CI = 1.63–2.27) than at 12-months post-treatment, and among men from higher socioeconomic areas (OR = 2.41; 95%CI = 1.47–3.93, highest vs. lowest quintile), and following prostatectomy (OR = 4.37; 95%CI = 2.92–6.42), and less likely among older men (OR = 0.08; 95%CI = 0.05–0.13, < 60yrs vs. 70-79yrs). Men were more likely to report an improved sex life with oral medication use at two-years (OR = 3.79; 95%CI = 1.69–8.47) and five-years (OR = 3.07; 95%CI = 1.51–6.25) post-treatment compared with 12-months or if they were socioeconomically advantaged (OR = 3.22; 95%CI = 1.30–7.96, highest vs. lowest quintile).

Conclusions

A substantial proportion of Australian men do not access or continue to use ED treatments after prostate cancer treatment, with many users reporting only modest effects on their sex life. There is a need to improve access to and maintenance of ED treatments following prostate cancer treatment.
Heterozygous pathogenic STT3A variation leads to dominant congenital glycosylation disorders and functional validation in zebrafish
Authors: Meng Linxue , Fang Zhixu , Jiang Li , Zheng Yinglan , Hong Siqi , Deng Yu , Xie Lingling
Published: January 2025

Background

Congenital disorders of glycosylation are a rare group of disorders characterized by impaired glycosylation, wherein STT3A encodes the catalytic subunit of the oligosaccharyltransferase complex, which is crucial for protein N-glycosylation. Previous studies have reported that STT3A-CDG is caused by autosomal recessive inheritance. However, in this study, we propose that STT3A-CDG can be pathogenic through autosomal dominant inheritance.

Methods

The variant was identified via trio whole-exome sequencing. We constructed wild-type and variant plasmids, transfected them into HEK293T cells and detected the expression levels of the STT3A protein. We performed CRISPR-Cas9 to establish heterozygous knockdown zebrafish to validate the functional implications of autosomal dominant inheritance of STT3A in pathogenesis.

Results

The patient presented with developmental delay, distinctive facial features, short stature, and abnormal discharges. The heterozygous pathogenic missense variant (NM_001278503.2: c.499G > T, NP_001265432.1:p. Asp167Tyr) was identified, and the Western blot results revealed a significant decrease in protein levels. Heterozygous knockdown zebrafish exhibit phenotypes similar to those of patients, including craniofacial dysmorphology (increased eye distance, increased Basihyal’s length, increased Ceratohyal’s angle), skeletal abnormalities (reduced number of mineralized bones), developmental delay (reduced adaptability under light‒dark stimuli suggesting abnormal locomotion, orientation, and social behavior), and electrophysiological abnormalities.

Conclusion

We report a proband with a dominant congenital glycosylation disorder caused by heterozygous pathogenic STT3A variation, which is a new inheritance pattern of STT3A. Our report expands the known phenotype of dominant STT3A-CDGs. Furthermore, we provide in vivo validation through the establishment of a heterozygous knockdown zebrafish model for stt3a and strengthened the compelling evidence for dominant STT3A-related pathogenesis.
Hallucinations and disturbed behaviour in the critically ill: incidence, patient characteristics, associations, trajectory, and outcomes
Authors: Niccol Thomas , Young Marcus , Holmes Natasha E. , Kishore Kartik , Amjad Sobia , Gaca Michele , Bellomo Rinaldo , Serpa Neto Ary
Published: January 2025

Purpose

To use natural language processing (NLP) to study the incidence, characteristics, trajectory, associations, and outcomes of hallucinations and disturbed behaviour in intensive care unit (ICU) patients.

Methods

We used NLP to scan clinical progress notes of a large cohort of ICU patients to detect words indicating that a patient had experienced hallucinations. We also used NLP to detected disturbed behaviour during ICU stay. Moreover, we studied the use of antipsychotic medications in a nested cohort. Finally, we obtained the demographics, trajectory, associations, and outcome of these patients.

Results

We conducted a non-interventional, observational study of 7525 patients. We found that 625 (8.31%) had experienced hallucinations. Among these, 623 (99.7%) also had NLP-diagnosed behavioural disturbance (NLP-Dx-BD). In contrast, in patients without hallucinations, only 3274 (47.4%) were NLP-Dx-BD positive. Among the 2904 nested cohort patients with electronic medications data, 252 (8.7%) experienced hallucinations. Of these, 60 (23.8%) received medications compared with 147 (5.5%) (p < 0.001) patients without hallucinations. There was no difference on outcomes in patients with or without hallucination.

Conclusions

Hallucinations affect one in 12 ICU patients and are strongly associated with disturbed behaviour, and the use of antipsychotic medications. Hallucinations may represent another phenotype of critical illness associated neurocognitive dysfunction and require a dedicated research program.
Spray vaccination with a safe and bivalent H9N2 recombinant chimeric NDV vector vaccine elicits complete protection against NDV and H9N2 AIV challenge
Authors: Wang Xiaoquan , Dai Jing , Yang Wenhao , Yao Yao , Zhang Jin , Liu Kaituo , Lu Xiaolong , Gao Ruyi , Chen Yu , Hu Jiao , Gu Min , Hu Shunlin , Liu Xiufan , Liu Xiaowen
Published: January 2025

Newcastle disease virus (NDV) and H9N2 avian influenza virus (AIV) represent significant pathogenic risks to the poultry industry, leading to considerable economic losses. Vaccination is a widely used preventive measure against these pathogens, yet the lack of a live bivalent vaccine targeting NDV and H9N2 AIV imposes a heavy vaccination burden. Previously, we constructed a genotype-matched chimeric NDV vector, LX-OAI4S, in which the genotype I NDV backbone was replaced with the ectodomain of haemagglutinin-neuraminidase (HN) and modified using the attenuated F gene from the genotype VII vaccine strain A-VII. Based on the LX-OAI4S vector, we successfully generated three H9N2 recombinant viruses: LX-OAI4S-NPU-HA, LX-OAI4S-MU-HA, and LX-OAI4S-HNU-HA. These recombinants incorporated the H9N2 HA gene, flanked by untranslated regions (UTRs) from the NP, M, or HN gene of the NDV LX strain, inserted between the P and M genes of LX-OAI4S. The vaccine candidate LX-OAI4S-NPU-HA induced a more robust immune response in chickens against H9N2 AIV and NDV than the other two recombinants. This response effectively protects against virus shedding and lethal virus challenge. Furthermore, spray vaccination with LX-OAI4S-NPU-HA showed protective efficacy against H9N2 AIV and NDV. This study offers a promising strategy for comprehensive protection in regions threatened by H9N2 AIV and NDV.
Lactoferrin exhibits PEDV antiviral activity by interfering with spike-heparan sulfate proteoglycans binding and activating mucosal immune response
Authors: Liu Peng , Zuo Jinjiao , Lu Hui , Zhang Bin , Wu Caihong
Published: January 2025

Neonatal piglets infected with Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea Virus (PEDV) experience a mortality rate of up to 90%, resulting in significant economic losses to the swine industry in China. Current strategies using specific antibodies in sow milk to prevent Porcine Epidemic Diarrhea (PED) in these piglets through specific antibodies in sow milk is unsatisfactory. Preliminary studies have shown limited success. Emerging evidence suggests that general immune factors in sow milk provide protection to neonatal piglets, particularly, lactoferrin, play a crucial role in protecting piglets by inhibiting PEDV replication. However, the precise mechanism by which lactoferrin exerts its antiviral effects remains unclear. This study sought to clarify these mechanisms through both in vitro and in vivo approaches, proposing that higher concentrations of lactoferrin lead to greater antiviral activity. It was hypothesized that lactoferrin can impede PEDV by blocking its binding to heparan sulfate proteoglycans (HSPG) on the surface of target cells, and molecular docking experiments was conducted to identify the binding sites between lactoferrin and HSPG. Additionally, the findings indicated that lactoferrin can effectively trigger the maturation of porcine dendritic cells and boosts their antigen-presenting functions, thereby improving intestinal mucosal immunity in neonatal piglets against PEDV. Overall, these findings aid to elucidate the antiviral actions and mechanisms of lactoferrin in sow colostrum, offering new insights for the effective prevention and control of PED in neonatal piglets.
Determination of present-day crustal deformation along the Kenyan rift system using InSAR
Authors: Kirui Pius Kipng’etich , Riedel Bjorn , Gerke Markus
Published: January 2025

The Kenyan rift system is prone to deformation due to various geological processes and human activities, such as overexploitation of groundwater and exploitation of geothermal energy. Crustal deformation monitoring is essential for understanding the geodynamics of the rift and assessing potential hazards as the rift passes through densely populated areas. However, retrieving InSAR displacement measurements along the Kenya rift system is challenging due to the high variability in tropospheric delay caused by its location in the tropics and the significant topographic variations along the rift. Here, we leverage Sentinel-1 data to analyze both local and large-scale deformation in the rift using multi-temporal InSAR processing with an improved tropospheric correction method, which we previously proposed with a modification on variance covariance modeling. We provide evidence for the previously reported ground displacement of 5

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7.5 cm southwest of the Suswa volcano as being a misidentification of a tropospheric delay, that was dominant on March 27, 2018. Moreover, we observe episodic ground displacement at Suswa and Longonot, attributable to magma movement. Our results indicate that Suswa experienced a 9 cm movement towards the satellite line of sight between 2018-2020, while Longonot moved 4 cm towards satellite line of sight between 2016-2018 and also underwent 3 cm displacement away from the satellite line of sight between 2019-2021. In addition, we observe land subsidence associated with geothermal exploitation in the range of 1

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3.6 cm/yr in Olkaria as well as in multiple locations in Nairobi at a rate of up to 6 cm/yr, primarily attributed to groundwater overexploitation. Moreover, we detect undocumented ground displacement at the Chalbi salt flat and along the Elgeiyo escarpment, at rates of up to 4.8 cm/yr and 5.7 cm/yr, respectively. Long-wavelength, low-amplitude deformation at the Turkana depression aligned well with the current kinematics of the Kenyan rift system. We find that localized deformations, caused by magmatism and human activity, dominate the south segment of the rift, whereas large-scale low-amplitude deformations dominate the north segment. In summary, our results emphasize the importance of tropospheric delay correction in retrieving InSAR-derived displacement measurements along the Kenyan rift system.

Graphical Abstract
Survival outcome prediction of esophageal squamous cell carcinoma patients based on radiomics and mutation signature
Authors: Yan Ting , Yan Zhenpeng , Chen Guohui , Xu Songrui , Wu Chenxuan , Zhou Qichao , Wang Guolan , Li Ying , Jia Mengjiu , Zhuang Xiaofei , Yang Jie , Liu Lili , Wang Lu , Wu Qinglu , Wang Bin , Yan Tianyi
Published: January 2025

Background

The present study aimed to develop a nomogram model for predicting overall survival (OS) in esophageal squamous cell carcinoma (ESCC) patients.

Methods

A total of 205 patients with ESCC were enrolled and randomly divided into a training cohort (n = 153) and a test cohort (n = 52) at a ratio of 7:3. Multivariate Cox regression was used to construct the radiomics model based on CT data. The mutation signature was constructed based on whole genome sequencing data and found to be significantly associated with the prognosis of patients with ESCC. A nomogram model combining the Rad-score and mutation signature was constructed. An integrated nomogram model combining the Rad-score, mutation signature, and clinical factors was constructed.

Results

A total of 8 CT features were selected for multivariate Cox regression analysis to determine whether the Rad-score was significantly correlated with OS. The area under the curve (AUC) of the radiomics model was 0.834 (95% CI, 0.767–0.900) for the training cohort and 0.733 (95% CI, 0.574–0.892) for the test cohort. The Rad-score, S3, and S6 were used to construct an integrated RM nomogram. The predictive performance of the RM nomogram model was better than that of the radiomics model, with an AUC of 0. 830 (95% CI, 0.761–0.899) in the training cohort and 0.793 (95% CI, 0.653–0.934) in the test cohort. The Rad-score, TNM stage, lymph node metastasis status, S3, and S6 were used to construct an integrated RMC nomogram. The predictive performance of the RMC nomogram model was better than that of the radiomics model and RM nomogram model, with an AUC of 0. 862 (95% CI, 0.795–0.928) in the training cohort and 0. 837 (95% CI, 0.705–0.969) in the test cohort.

Conclusion

An integrated nomogram model combining the Rad-score, mutation signature, and clinical factors can better predict the prognosis of patients with ESCC.
Acute aortic dissection during minimally invasive cardiac surgery: a case report
Authors: Kumamoto Taisuke
Published: January 2025

Background

Management of acute aortic dissection (AAD) caused by retrograde perfusion through the femoral artery during minimally invasive cardiac surgery (MICS) remains controversial. We present a case of AAD occurring during the late cardiopulmonary bypass (CPB) phase, which was successfully managed by vascular graft replacement, without altering the blood supply route.

Case presentation

A 63-year-old man was scheduled for totally endoscopic aortic valve replacement. CPB was initiated through the right femoral artery and venous cannulation. Approximately 120 min after the initiation of CPB, mean arterial pressure and bilateral cerebral regional oxygen saturation temporarily decreased. Transesophageal echocardiography revealed type A AAD. Cerebral perfusion was preserved, allowing us to proceed to deep hypothermic circulatory arrest and successfully perform ascending aortic replacement without altering the blood supply route.

Conclusions

In MICS, continuous monitoring is crucial as AAD can occur at any point during CPB, and early detection enables successful outcomes.
Fueling Alternatives: Gas Station Choice and the Implications for Electric Charging
Authors: Dorsey Jackson , Langer Ashley , McRae Shaun
Published: January 2025

This paper quantifies the value of electric vehicle (EV) charging networks and the marginal value of network speed and density. We estimate a model of gasoline drivers’ refueling preferences and simulate how these potential future EV drivers value refueling time under counterfactual charging networks. Drivers value refueling time at $19.73/hour. EV adopters with home charging receive $675 per vehicle in benefits from avoiding travel to gas stations, whereas refueling travel and waiting time costs $7,763 for drivers using public charging. Increasing network charging speed yields three times greater time savings than a proportional increase in station density. (JEL D12, H54, Q42, Q58, R41)
Η συμβουλευτική γονέων και αδερφών των παιδιών με ειδικές ανάγκες
Authors: Μπαζάνη Ευγενία
Published: January 2025

Είναι γενικά παραδεκτό πως η οικογένεια πάντα υπήρξε η κύρια πηγή φροντίδας για τα μέλη της που μειονεκτούν και οι γονείς παίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στην ανατροφή και φροντίδα των παιδιών που πάσχουν από κάποια μειονεξία. Τα τελευταία χρόνια οι στάσεις απέναντι στους γονείς και η φύση των σχέσεων ανάμεσα στους γονείς και τους ειδικούς έχουν αλλάξει και αναγνωρίζεται πια οι γονείς ότι παίζουν σημαντικό ρόλο στον προγραμματισμό και στην αντιμετώπιση των αναγκών των παιδιών τους. Οι αλλαγές αυτές ήταν αποτέλεσμα των στάσεων της κοινωνίας απέναντι στα παιδιά και τις ανάγκες τους, των τάσεων προς την παροχή φροντίδας μέσα στα πλαίσια της κοινότητας και των ισχυρών πιέσεων που άσκησαν οι ίδιοι οι γονείς για ν’ αντιμετωπιστούν οι ανάγκες των παιδιών τους. Έτσι, ενώ σε ορισμένες χώρες υπάρχει οργανωμένη και συστηματική παροχή υπηρεσιών, στις περισσότερες περιπτώσεις η παροχή είναι σποραδική και ασυντόνιστη και σε πολλά μέρη του κόσμου ανύπαρκτη. Παρόλο αυτά έχει αναγνωριστεί η ανάγκη παροχής ολοκληρωμένων, συντονισμένων και συνεχών υπηρεσιών στα μειονεκτικά παιδιά και στις οικογένειές τους. Σήμερα, τονίζεται η εκπαίδευση των μειονεκτικών παιδιών και η παροχή βοήθειας για να ελαχιστοποιηθούν τα προβλήματα συμπεριφοράς και οποιαδήποτε άλλα προβλήματα, ώστε να μπορέσουν να ζήσουν όσο το δυνατό πιο ικανοποιητικά. Χρειάζεται λοιπόν, μία προσέγγιση που ούτε θα αγνοεί τελείως τους γονείς, ούτε θα έχει υπερβολικές απαιτήσεις από αυτούς.
Review of the book Humanistic leadership practices: Exemplary cases from different cultures, by Pingping Fu (Εd.)
Authors: Gotsis George
Published: January 2025

N/A
Για το βιβλίο «Το ξίφος του πνεύματος». Βιβλίο, πολιτισμική ηγεμονία και άκρα δεξιά στην Ελλάδα μετά το 1974 της Άννας Καρακατσούλη
Authors: Μαρέτα Δήμητρα
Published: January 2025

N/A
Evaluation of the feasibility, acceptability, and impact of Group Antenatal Care at the health post level on continuation in antenatal care and facility based delivery in Ethiopia using a cluster randomized stepped-wedge design: Study protocol
Authors: Yallew Walelegn W. , Fasil Rediet , Berhanu Della , Wolde Konjit , Teshite Dedefo , Sethi Reena , Yenokyan Gayane , Woldemariam Yenealem , Suhowatsky Stephanie , Hyre Anne , Noguchi Lisa , Worku Alemayehu
Published: January 2025

Background Adequate antenatal care (ANC) and facility-based delivery are linked to improved maternal and neonatal outcomes. Adequate ANC attendance and facility birth rates are increasing in Ethiopia but remain well below national goals and global recommendations. Group ANC (G-ANC), when implemented at higher-level facilities, is associated with improved quality and experience of ANC and increased ANC retention and facility-based delivery. The objectives of this study are to evaluate the acceptability, feasibility, and effectiveness of G-ANC delivered by health extension workers at the health-post level compared to conventional ANC on ANC attendance and facility-based delivery. Methods Group ANC will be piloted in five purposively selected health posts. The study design is a stepped-wedge trial to be conducted in 36 health posts within the catchment of six health centers, with randomization of the order of the intervention introduction done at the health-center level (clusters). The design includes three time periods: a six-month control period with no G-ANC implementation, followed by another six-month period when G-ANC will be introduced in half (n=18) of the study health posts, then a final six-month period when G-ANC will be implemented in the remaining 18 health posts. Each health post will form one cohort and conduct six monthly G-ANC meetings on a fixed day/time. The study will use quantitative and qualitative data collection approaches. The study has “pause and reflect” points designed for intervention iteration before rolling out to the next set of sites. The primary outcomes are the proportion of women with at least four ANC visits and the proportion who delivered in a health facility. Qualitative research will be conducted using in-depth interviews with pregnant women, health workers, facility managers, and regional health managers. The study will enroll 770 women across all phases. Conclusions The study will inform decision-makers locally and globally on whether G-ANC is a feasible service delivery model at the health-post level. Effectiveness of G-ANC at increasing ANC retention and facility-based delivery and its acceptability to pregnant women and health extension workers will be reported. Registration NCT05054491, ClinicalTrials.gov (September 23, 2021).
Protocol for a novel approach to developing a single pan-specialty ‘meta-core outcome set’: An example from the field of surgical oncology
Authors: Tay Joel , Blazeby Jane , O'Neill Adam , Loke Yoon , Lowery Aoife , Robinson Catherine , Alkhaffaf Bilal , Kirkham Jamie
Published: January 2025

Background Understanding outcomes of surgery performed with curative intent for different cancer types allows comparisons to be made provided consistent outcomes are selected and measured. At present core outcome sets (COS) that represent the minimum outcomes measured and reported in any clinical trial for a given condition exists for six of the ten most prevalent cancer types but it is uncertain whether this can be used to inform the development of a meta-COS (core outcome set) for any cancer type requiring a surgical operation with curative intent. This paper describes our study protocol to develop a meta-COS for surgical oncology. Methods Three stages of work will be conducted : (1) identification of a long list of outcomes including adverse events from previously published COS, a review of outcomes from trials registered with ClinicalTrials.gov, and focus groups with key stakeholders (inclusive of cancer patients having undergone surgery with curative intent for cancer or carers of such patients); (2) a two-round online Delphi survey including clinicians, patients or carers, and allied health professionals (such as dietitians, specialist nurses, physiotherapists, occupational health workers) to prioritise the outcomes; (3) an online consensus meeting using to agree on the final meta-COS. Discussion The meta-COS for surgical oncology trials will ensure that a selection of relevant outcomes will be available for use in all research studies for any cancer type requiring a surgical intervention. Registration This study titled “A meta-Core Outcome Set (COS) for surgical oncology” is registered on the COMET (Core Outcome Measures in Effectiveness Trials) Initiative database. (https://www.comet-initiative.org/Studies/Details/3252).
¿Coinciden la comunidad científica y la sociedad sobre el uso de la Inteligencia Artificial en educación?
Authors: Martín-Gómez Sonia , Muñoz de Luna Ángel Bartolomé
Published: January 2025

El objetivo principal de esta investigación es explorar y comprender el desarrollo y la implementación de la IA en el contexto de la educación universitaria a nivel científico y a nivel social, Se va a usar una metodología sistemática de revisión de documentos científicos a partir de la base de datos Web Of Science (WOS).para la parte científica y un análisis de social listening para el ámbito social. El estudio bibliométrico, a través de la aplicación Rstudio Cloud, permite extraer un metaanálisis sobre el topic IA en educación superior, desde el año 2019 hasta la actualidad, consiguiendo, según directrices de la declaración PRISMA, una valoración de 32 artículos.

Por su parte, la plataforma Brandwatch permite conocer lo que se habla en la red sobre el uso de IA en la educación superior, estudiando un total de 27.735 menciones, solo del último año.

Comparando los resultados científicos y sociales, se alcanzan conclusiones sobre los desafíos actuales de la IA en la universidad, destacando que es necesario que los investigadores empiecen a analizar los efectos del buen uso de las herramientas de la IA como metodología docente, de forma que la sociedad pueda destacarlo también en sus menciones en redes.
Análisis de la Disposición Espacial de Contenido en entornos de Realidad Aumentada y su Efecto en la Carga Cognitiva de los Usuarios
Authors: Bautista Luis Eduardo , Maradei Fernanda , Pedraza Gabriel
Published: January 2025

La disposición espacial de los espacios de información en entornos de realidad aumentada (RA) juega un papel crucial en la modulación del esfuerzo mental de los usuarios. Este estudio tiene como objetivo investigar cómo la contigüidad y discontigüidad entre los objetos físicos y los espacios de información, tanto en el plano horizontal como en el vertical, afectan la carga cognitiva durante la interacción con contenido procedimental. Se realizaron cuatro experimentos diferenciados, midiendo la dilatación pupilar y la duración de las fijaciones como indicadores del esfuerzo mental. Estas medidas ofrecen una visión integral sobre la influencia de la disposición espacial. Los hallazgos se discuten dentro del marco de la literatura existente, contrastando los resultados obtenidos con estudios previos y proporcionando una base para futuras investigaciones en el diseño de materiales educativos y entornos de aprendizaje. Los resultados obtenidos a lo largo de los cuatro experimentos muestran que la disposición espacial de la información en entornos de RA afecta significativamente el esfuerzo mental de los participantes, medido a través de la dilatación pupilar y la duración de las fijaciones. Estas medidas son consistentes con literatura previa que indica que el aumento de la dilatación pupilar es un indicador de mayor esfuerzo mental.
USO DE UM ARTEFATO COMPUTACIONAL PARA EXPLORAR A COVARIAÇÃO: UM ESTUDO DAS GÊNESES INSTRUMENTAIS DE LICENCIANDOS EM MATEMÁTICA
Authors: Thiago Silva César , Gitirana Verônica
Published: January 2025

En este artículo se presentan resultados destacados de un estudio que investigó los efectos del uso de un artefacto computacional en el razonamiento covariacional de los estudiantes y su relación con la transposición informática del concepto de covariación en dicho artefacto. La metodología consistió en un estudio de casos múltiples de la génesis instrumental de profesores de matemáticas en formación en situaciones de covariación con GeoGebra. El uso instrumentado de herramientas para apoyar la cuantificación de la variación articuladas dinámicamente con representaciones de funciones contribuyó a una interpretación covariacional del gráfico y a la coordinación de la covariación continua. Por otro lado, las restricciones estuvieron relacionadas con la representación de la variación con segmentos dinámicos en situaciones de variación negativa y con la influencia de esquemas basados en una visión de función como correspondencia y una visión estática del gráfico.
Mergers Between On-Demand Service Platforms: The Impact on Consumer Surplus and Labor Welfare
Authors: Lin Xiaogang , Lu Tao , Wang Xin , Kou Gang
Published: January 2025

Practice- and Policy-Oriented Abstract

Mergers between on-demand service platforms have recently become prevalent, resulting in antitrust debates. On the one hand, mergers reduce market competition, raising antitrust concerns, such as potential increases in service prices. On the other hand, merged firms typically enable agents to serve all the customers from previously separate platforms, thereby gaining an advantage from resource pooling. To offer guidelines for resolving these debates, we investigate the impact of a merger between two on-demand service platforms. Our results show that because of the merger-enabled pooling benefit and a cross-side network effect (i.e., customers benefit from more agents and vice versa), a merger can result in a win-win-win outcome, where the platform profits, consumer surplus, and labor welfare are all improved after a merger. The win-win-win outcome is more probable if the premerger market is less saturated or if the market is more differentiated on the customer/agent side. Therefore, antitrust agencies might consider being more lenient toward a merger if the market has room to grow or if the two merging platforms have differentiated features.
The I.I.D. Prophet Inequality with Limited Flexibility
Authors: Perez-Salazar Sebastian , Singh Mohit , Toriello Alejandro
Published: January 2025

In online sales, sellers usually offer each potential buyer a posted price in a take-it-or-leave fashion. Buyers can sometimes see posted prices faced by other buyers, and changing the price frequently could be considered unfair. The literature on posted-price mechanisms and prophet inequality problems has studied the two extremes of pricing policies, the fixed-price policy and fully dynamic pricing. The former is suboptimal in revenue but is perceived as fairer than the latter. This work examines the middle situation, where there are at most k distinct prices over the selling horizon. Using the framework of prophet inequalities with independent and identically distributed random variables, we propose a new prophet inequality for strategies that use at most k thresholds. We present asymptotic results in k and results for small values of k. For k = 2 prices, we show an improvement of at least 11% over the best fixed-price solution. Moreover, k = 5 prices suffice to guarantee almost 99% of the approximation factor obtained by a fully dynamic policy that uses an arbitrary number of prices. From a technical standpoint, we use an infinite-dimensional linear program in our analysis; this formulation could be of independent interest to other online selection problems.

Funding: This research was supported by the U.S. National Science Foundation [Grants CCF-2106444, CCF-1910423, and CMMI 1552479].
Contract Frames and Supplier Learning
Authors: Zheng Yi , Wang Qiong , Wang Xiaoyan , Yang Zhilin
Published: January 2025

This research examines the impact of contract framing on supplier learning activities within buyer-supplier relationships, an area previously overshadowed by a focus on internal organizational learning mechanisms. Grounded in regulatory focus theory and organizational learning theory, this study assesses how promotion and prevention contract framing influences suppliers’ exploration and exploitation activities. Survey data from 135 buyer-supplier relationship dyads reveals that promotion and prevention framing distinctly affect suppliers’ learning activities. Specifically, during the duration of the contract, (a) compared with prevention contract framing, promotion contract framing has a stronger positive impact on the supplier’s exploration learning activities; and (b) compared with promotion contract framing, prevention contract framing has a stronger negative impact on the supplier’s exploitation learning activities. This study also reveals how the portfolios and clusters of contract framing influence supplier learning activities. Finally, this study reveals that different learning activities result in varied outcomes for the buyer, with exploration boosting continuity and exploitation improving performance. This contribution broadens the understanding of contract framing’s psychological effects on supplier behavior, offering new insights into the dynamics of organizational learning activities and contract design.

Funding: This work was supported by National Natural Science Foundation of China [Grant 72072152]; Research Grants Council, University Grants Committee [Grant CityU 11502218]; and Natural Science Foundation of Shandong Province [Grant ZR2023QG003].

Supplemental Material: The online appendix is available at https://doi.org/10.1287/orsc.2022.16526 .
The Puzzle of Regression to the Mean
Authors: Affognon Don A.
Published: January 2025

Although regression to the mean is pervasive in data analysis, educational researchers often misconstrue it as evidence of genuine change and mistakenly attribute random changes to treatment effects. In a statistical phenomenon where extreme values naturally move closer to the average after repeated treatment, regression to the mean is especially susceptible to misinterpretations in educational studies with pretest-posttest or longitudinal designs. In such studies, observed changes are frequently assumed to be the effects of treatment, even in cases where the changes are statistical artifacts. Using a hypothetical case and two real-world studies, this paper investigates the technical challenges that regression to the mean poses and introduces a hybrid Bayesian model that mitigates its effects more effectively than conventional approaches, such as multiple baseline adjustments and formulaic corrections. In particular, the hybrid Bayesian model relies on multiple baseline measurements to minimize distortions associated with regression to the mean during the pretest phase and leverages prior knowledge—such as standard deviations and population means—to refine post-test data adjustments. It follows that the model provides educational researchers with an innovative tool for accurately evaluating interventions and enhancing the effectiveness of various research-driven educational policies and practices.
Bioremediation of shrimp pond wastewater using effective microorganism-4 (EM4)
Authors: Maysabila Annisa , Heryanti Rika , Permana Rega , Hasan Zahidah
Published: January 2025

The problems of shrimp farming with semi-intensive systems are leftover feed, organic matter, and toxic compounds that can reduce water quality. Shrimp pond wastewater treatment can be done through several technologies, such as chemical, physical, and biological treatment. One of biological treatment that widely used for wastewater treatment is bioremediation. Bioremediation is a biological process that utilizes microorganisms to decompose waste in aquaculture ponds into compounds that are not harmful to aquatic biota. Therefore, this research aims to determine the effect of effective microorganism-4 (EM4) in reducing ammonia compounds and BOD levels in shrimp pond wastewater. The research method used is a laboratory-scale experimental method. A total of 6 aquariums were used for 3 different treatments with two replications, control, adding EM4 2.5% and EM4 3% into 5 L of wastewater. The water quality parameters observed were dissolved oxygen, temperature, pH, ammonia, and BOD. The one-way ANOVA test was used in this study. The results showed that there was a decrease in ammonia and BOD levels. The highest reduction of ammonia was found in the treatment with the addition of EM4 2.5%.  The decrease in BOD with the highest effectiveness was found in the control treatment (37.73%) with the initial BOD value 5.3 to 3.3. mg/l, which fulfilled the allowed maximum level of standard of Ministerial Decree No. KKP. KEP.28/MEN/2004 concerning General Guidelines for Shrimp Cultivation in Ponds. In conclusion, the small dosage addition of EM4 did not have a significant effect on decreasing levels of ammonia and BOD.
Length- weight relationship, condition factor and sex ratio of Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in the lower section of Osun River, Nigeria
Authors: Iyiola Adams Ovie , Kolawole Ayotunde Samuel , Umma Samuel Bem , Iriobe Tosin
Published: January 2025

Osun River is a major river in the Ogun-Osun River Basin and contributes significantly to fish production and quality source of protein. It is therefore essential to investigate the condition and characteristics of the most abundant fish species in the river. This aim was achieved by investigating the Morphometric parameters, sex ratio, and condition factor of Oreochromis niloticus and Chrysichthys nigrodigitatus in the lower section of the river; because these fish species were the most abundant and economically important. Monofilament gillnets were used for fish sampling for twelve months to cover both wet and dry seasons (November 2017 to October 2018). A total of 1597 individuals of both species were collected comprising 40.13% O. niloticus samples and 59.87% samples of C. nigrodigitatus. The correlation coefficient (r) for O. niloticus and C. nigrodigitatus were 0.78 and 0.89 which indicated a high and very high relationship respectively. O. niloticus showed a significant negative allometric growth pattern (b = 2.315) while C. nigrodigitatus showed a growth pattern that was significant and positively allometric (b = 3.102). The mean condition factor (K) was 2.8 for O. niloticus and 1.9 for C. nigrodigitatus. The sex ratio of male to female was 1.5:1 for O. niloticus and 1.2:1 for C. nigrodigitatus. It can be said that both fish species responded well in the river and it is therefore essential to maintain optimal environmental factors for the sustainability of these fish species in the river.
Waste Water Reduction Using Four Densities of Seaweed to Improve Water Quality for White Leg Shrimp (Litopenaeus white leg) Culture: Laboratory Scale
Authors: Samadan Gamal M. , Syazili Aras , Supyan Supyan , Findra Muhammad Nur
Published: January 2025

The low environmental quality of pond water is caused, among other things, by the large amount of organic waste and nutrients (feed components) in pond water outflow. The remaining feed and feces (feces) decompose in pond water before being dumped into the nearby rivers, resulting in the discharge of high levels of nutrients and organic waste. One method for enhancing the effluent quality from aquaculture is a biofilter. In order to reduce and absorb dissolved organic contaminants, biofilters are used. It is possible to employ Gracilaria sp. as a biofilter, which is an efficient technique to increase sanitation. The study' goals were to determine how well Gracilaria sp. developed and how well seaweed absorbed N and P elements from vaname shrimp culture waste, specifically ammonia (NH3), nitrite (NO2), and nitrate (NO3). Three different treatments for the weights of the seaweed were employed in the study: 50, 75, and 100 grams. The analysis showed that the 100 g of Gracilaria sp. was very effective in absorbing N and P waste. It was discovered that N and P component absorption was, respectively, 75.10% and 75.15% effective.
Alternative feed resources in the era of climate change: A review
Authors: Ojediran Taiwo K , Olofintuyi Olajide S , Ojediran Temitope J
Published: January 2025

Climate change poses significant challenges to traditional feed resources, impacting livestock production and food security. In response, the search for alternative feed resources has gained momentum, aiming to enhance the resilience and sustainability of agriculture in a changing climate. This review explores a diverse array of alternative feed resources that show promise in mitigating the impacts of climate change on feed availability and quality. Drawing from a comprehensive analysis of industry reports, case studies, and articles from sources such as Elsevier, Scopus, PubMed, ScholarOne, PLUS One, Science Direct, and Google Scholar, this study covers a range of innovative options, including insect-based feeds, algae, seaweeds, microbial proteins, residues, by-products, aquatic plants and weeds, hydroponic fodder production, climate-resilient forage crops, agroforestry systems, high-value crop by-products, and silvopastoral systems. Each alternative feed resource is examined in terms of its nutritional value, environmental benefits, and potential challenges to adoption. The review underscores the importance of developing and implementing climate-resilient livestock feeding strategies to ensure food security and sustainability in a changing climate. In light of climate change, this study explores the effects of switching to other feed sources in livestock production. Further research and policy support are emphasized to facilitate the integration of these alternative feed resources into livestock production systems worldwide. By embracing these innovative approaches, the agricultural sector can build resilience, reduce environmental impacts, and secure food supplies amidst climate change challenges through insect-based feeds, hydroponic fodders, agro-industrial byproducts, aquatic plants and algae, among others can be used as substitutes in the era of climate change
Biochemical responses of painted spiny lobster Panulirus versicolor fed with molluscs meal and fish meal
Authors: Kurnia Agus , Hamzah Muhaimin , Idris Muhammad , Muskita Wellem Henrik , Abidin La Ode Baytul , Sabilu Kadir , Yusnaini Yusnaini , Balubi Abdul Muis , La Usaha La Usaha , Fatmawati Famawati , Razak La Ode Abdul , Khairunnisa Khairunnisa
Published: January 2025

Molluscs are one of the most preferred ingredients for marine lobster feed because the mollusc has a higher protein content. Therefore, this material has the potential to substitute the fish meals and reduce the cost for feeding lobsters. The objective of the present study was to investigate digestive enzyme activities and growth performance of painted spiny lobsters fed with a combination of mollusc meal and fish meal in the diet. Four experimental diets were formulated to contain 20% sardine fish meal and 20% mackerel fish meal (Diet A). 10% Telescopium muscle meal (TMM) + 15% golden snail meal (GSM) + 15% scallops muscle meal (SMM) (Diet B). 15% TMM + 10% GSM + 15% SMM (Diet C) and 15% TMM + 15% GSM + 10% SMM (Diet D). A total of 24 juvenile painted spiny lobsters were distributed into twelve plastic tanks (two lobsters/tank) with a size of 60 × 45 × 60 cm³ and reared in a recirculating system for a 50-day rearing period. The lobster was fed only one time a day (05:00 pm) with a dosage of 3% biomass weight. The results showed that the enzyme activities of lobsters fed with combined mollusc meals were higher than the enzyme activity in the lobsters fed with the fish meal combination diet. The weight gain of the painted spiny lobster fed with mollusc meal was higher than the lobster fed with a fish meal diet. Based on results of enzyme activities and growth performance. It was concluded that the combination of mollusc meal in the formulated diet was more suitable than the combination of fish meal for optimum enzyme activities and growth performance of painted spiny lobster
Public knowledge, attitudes, practices, and barriers to skin cancer screening in the United Arab Emirates
Authors: Jarab Anan S. , Al-Qerem Walid , Alzoubi Karem H. , Al Mohammad Mariam , Abu Heshmeh Shrouq R. , Al Hamarneh Yazid N. , Mukattash Tareq , Khdour Maher
Published: January 2025

Objective

To assess knowledge, attitude, practice, and barriers to skin cancer screening among the general population of the United Arab Emirates (UAE).

Methods

In this cross-sectional study, an online-based questionnaire was distributed via online social media sites such as Facebook, WhatsApp, Twitter, and others to the residents of the UAE. The questionnaire evaluated socio-demographics, knowledge (8 items), attitudes (10 items), practices (14 items), and barriers (9 items) in the context of skin cancer screening. A binary logistic regression was conducted to assess variables associated with practice levels.

Results

The study included 924 participants (51.9% females), with a median (IQR) age of 32 (22–44) years. Results showed a window for knowledge improvement [median = 4 (3–6) out of a maximum potential score of 8], unfavourable attitudes [median = 37 (33–39) out of a maximum potential score of 50], inadequate practices [median = 41 (31–45) out of a maximum possible score of 70]. The most common barriers to skin cancer screening were lack of knowledge about skin cancer (74.1%), lack of awareness of the need for skin cancer screening (72.2%), and absence of symptoms (54.1%). Older age (OR = 0.985, 95%CI: 0.971–0.998) and lack of health insurance (OR = 0.478, 95%CI: 0.301–0.758) were associated with lower screening practices. Female gender (OR = 1.833, 95%CI: 1.361–2.469), being married (OR = 1.415, 95%CI: 1.006–1.992), being a non-smoker (OR = 1.568, 95%CI: 1.045–2.352) or a former smoker (OR = 2.555, 95% CI: 1.082–6.034), and more favourable attitudes (OR = 1.071, 95%CI: 1.044–1.096) were associated with higher screening practices.

Conclusion

The UAE population exhibited moderate knowledge, unfavourable attitudes, and inadequate practices regarding skin cancer screening, with several barriers identified. Targeted online and in-person awareness campaigns are crucial for improving public understanding and attitudes, thereby enhancing screening practices, especially among older adults, males, smokers, and those without health insurance.