bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Challenges and promises in optimising a non-clinical protocol of intracerebroventricular human neural stem cell transplantation in ALS
Authors: Lombardi Ivan , Ferrero Clelia , Vulcano Edvige , Rasà Daniela Maria , Gelati Maurizio , Campos Diego Pastor , Carletti Rose Mary , de la Morena Silvia , Profico Daniela Celeste , Longobardi Sabrina , Lazzarino Elisa , Perciballi Elisa , Rosati Jessica , Perez Salvador Martinez , Vercelli Alessandro , Boido Marina , Ferrari Daniela
Published: November 2024

Background and aims

Neural stem cell (NSC) transplantation holds promising therapeutic potential for neurodegenerative disorders like amyotrophic lateral sclerosis (ALS). However, pre-clinical studies and early-phase clinical trials have faced challenges hindering the effective clinical translation of this approach. Crucial hurdles include the side-effects of prolonged immunosuppression, concerns regarding cell origin and transplantation dosage, identification of the most appropriate therapeutic window, and invasiveness of surgical procedures. Here, we show challenges and promises in optimizing a non-clinical protocol to assess safety and efficacy of human NSC (hNSC) intracerebroventricular (ICV) transplantation for ALS.

Methods

We evaluated the safety of administering up to 1×106hNSCs in immunodeficient mice and assessed their potential efficacy in reducing ALS hallmarks employing the SOD1G93Amouse model. Both, transient (15 days) and prolonged immunosuppression regimens, at low (15 mg/kg) and high (30 mg/kg) doses, were tested along with two different cell dosages (3×105and 1×106).

Results

Bilateral ICV injection of up to 1×106hNSCs proved to be safe, with no evidence of tumor formation. At 40 days post-transplantation, hNSCs induced a trend toward delaying motor decline and reducing spinal cord (SC) microgliosis when transplanted under prolonged high-dose (30 mg/kg) immunosuppression.

Conclusions

Our study suggests that: (i) a bilateral ICV transplantation of 1×106hNSCs is safe and non-tumorigenic in immunodeficient hosts; (ii) sustained high-dose immunosuppression is essential for ensuring cell survival in immunocompetent mice; and (iii) hNSC transplantation may provide therapeutic benefits in ALS by delaying motor decline and reducing microgliosis. This study also highlights persisting hurdles that need to be further addressed, such as the aggressive murine immune response to exogenous cells.
Quantitative mapping of cerebrovascular reactivity amplitude and delay with breath-hold BOLD fMRI when end-tidal CO2quality is low
Authors: Clements Rebecca G. , Zvolanek Kristina M. , Reddy Neha A. , Hemmerling Kimberly J. , Bayrak Roza G. , Chang Catie , Bright Molly G.
Published: November 2024

Cerebrovascular reactivity (CVR), the ability of cerebral blood vessels to dilate or constrict in order to regulate blood flow, is a clinically useful measure of cerebrovascular health. CVR is often measured using a breath-hold task to modulate blood CO2levels during an fMRI scan. Measuring end-tidal CO2(PETCO2) with a nasal cannula during the task allows CVR amplitude to be calculated in standard units (vascular response per unit change in CO2, or %BOLD/mmHg) and CVR delay to be calculated in seconds. The use of standard units allows for normative CVR ranges to be established and for CVR comparisons to be made across subjects and scan sessions. Although breath-holding can be successfully performed by diverse patient populations, obtaining accurate PETCO2measurements requires additional task compliance; specifically, participants must breathe exclusively through their nose and exhale immediately before and after each breath hold. Meeting these requirements is challenging, even in healthy participants, and this has limited the translational potential of breath-hold fMRI for CVR mapping. Previous work has focused on using alternative regressors such as respiration volume per time (RVT), derived from respiratory belt measurements, to map CVR. Because measuring RVT does not require additional task compliance from participants, it is a more feasible measure than PETCO2.However, using RVT does not produce CVR in standard units. In this work, we explored how to achieve CVR maps, in standard units, when breath-hold task PETCO2data quality is low. First, we evaluated whether RVT could be scaled to units of mmHg using a subset of PETCO2data of sufficiently high quality. Second, we explored whether a PETCO2timeseries predicted from RVT using deep learning allows for more accurate CVR measurements. Using a dense-mapping breath-hold fMRI dataset, we showed that both rescaled RVT and rescaled, predicted PETCO2can be used to produce maps of CVR amplitude and delay in standard units with strong absolute agreement to ground-truth maps. However, the rescaled, predicted PETCO2regressor resulted in superior accuracy for both CVR amplitude and delay. In an individual with regions of increased CVR delay due to Moyamoya disease, the predicted PETCO2regressor also provided greater sensitivity to pathology than RVT. Ultimately, this work will increase the clinical applicability of CVR in populations exhibiting decreased task compliance.
Coming up short: generative network models fail to accurately capture long-range connectivity
Authors: Oldham Stuart , Fornito Alex , Ball Gareth
Published: November 2024

Generative network models (GNMs) have been proposed to identify the mechanisms/constraints that shape the organisation of the connectome. These models most commonly parameterise the formation of inter-regional axonal connections using a trade-off between connection cost and some measure of topological complexity or functional value. Despite its simplicity, GNMs can generate synthetic networks that capture many topological properties of empirical brain networks. However, current models often fail to capture the spatial embedding––i.e., the topography––of many such properties, such as the anatomical location of network hubs. In this study, we investigate a diverse array of generative network model formulations and find that none can accurately capture empirical patterns of long-range connectivity. We demonstrate that the spatial embedding of long-range connections is critical in defining hub locations and that it is precisely these connections that are poorly captured by extant models. We further show how standard metrics used for model optimisation and evaluation fail to capture the true correspondence between synthetic and empirical brain networks. Overall, our findings demonstrate common failure modes of GNMs, identify why these models do not fully capture brain network organisation, and suggest ways the field can move forward to address these challenges.

Author summary

Generative network models aim to explain the organisation of connectomes using simple wiring rules. While these models replicate topological features of brain networks, they do not to capture key topographical properties, like the anatomical location of network hubs. We show that this failure occurs because the models are unable to accurately capture the spatial position of long-range inter-regional connections. Standard measures used for model evaluation also fail to accurately quantify the similarity between model and empirical networks. This study identifies how and why limitations of current generative models occur and suggests ways forward for improved practices.
A lyophilized open-source RT-LAMP assay for molecular diagnostics in resource-limited settings
Authors: Matl Martin , Kellner Max J. , Ansah Felix , Grishkovskaya Irina , Handler Dominik , Heinen Robert , Bauer Benedikt , Menéndez-Arias Luis , Auer Thomas O. , Prieto-Godino Lucia L. , Penninger Josef M. ,   Vienna Covid-19 Detection Initiative (VCDI), Awandare Gordon A. , Brennecke Julius , Pauli Andrea
Published: November 2024

A critical bottleneck for equitable access to population-scale molecular diagnostics is the limited availability of rapid, inexpensive point-of-care tests especially in low- and middle-income countries. Here, we developed an open-sourceReverse transcription loop-mediated isothermal amplification(RT-LAMP) molecular assay for the detection of respiratory RNA virus infections. It is based on non-proprietary enzymes, namely HIV-1 reverse transcriptase,BstLF DNA polymerase and UDG BMTU thermolabile uracil DNA glycosylase. Formulated as liquid or lyophilized reaction mixtures, these reagents enable sensitive colorimetric detection of respiratory samples without the need for prior nucleic acid isolation. We evaluated our open-source lyophilized RT-LAMP assay on clinical samples with suspected COVID-19 infection, demonstrating high sensitivity and 100% specificity compared to the gold standardReverse transcription quantitative polymerase chain reaction (RT-qPCR). Reaction performance was unaffected by prolonged storage of lyophilized reagents at ambient or elevated temperatures. As a proof of concept, we evaluated the robustness and ease-of-use of lyophilized RT-LAMP reaction mixes through independent laboratory testing of COVID-19 samples in Ghana. Overall, our open-source RT-LAMP assay provides a flexible and scalable point-of-care test that can be adapted for rapid detection of various pathogens in resource-limited settings.
Molecular Polymorphism of tau aggregates in Pick’s disease
Authors: Liu Jiliang , Stewart Theresa Connors , Hyman Bradley T. , Burghammer Manfred , Cotte Marine , Makowski Lee
Published: November 2024

Tau protein plays a central role in many neuropathies. The trajectory by which tau spreads through neural networks is disease-specific but the events driving progression are unknown. This is due in part to the challenge of characterizing tau aggregatesin situ. We address that challenge usingin situmicro-x-ray diffraction (µXRD) and micro-X-ray fluorescence (μXRF) to examine tau lesions in the brain of a 79-year-old male with dementia. Neuropathological examination revealed classical forms of tau in the hippocampal formation: extensive Pick bodies in the granular layer; modest numbers of neurofibrillary tangles and dystrophic neurites in the CA4 and hilus. µXRD indicated that Pick bodies are low in fibril content, whereas neurofibrillary lesions within adjacent tissue exhibit far greater density of fibrillar tau. μXRF demonstrated elevated levels of zinc, calcium and phosphorous in all tau-containing lesions whereas sulfur deposition was greatest in lesions exhibiting high fibrillar content. Correlation of lesion morphology with anatomical localization, tau fibrillation and differential elemental accumulation suggests tau fibrils generate biochemically distinct microenvironments that influence lesion morphology, tau seed formation and spreading.
Effect of vorticity on the dynamical magnetic fields in heavy-ion collisions
Authors: Huang Anping , Wu Xiang-Yu , Huang Mei
Published: November 2024

Magnetic fields in heavy-ion collisions are pivotal and subject to diverse factors. In this study, we quantitatively investigate the impact of fluid vorticity on the evolution of magnetic fields in the 20%–50% centrality class in Au+Au collisions, with collision energies of sNN=(7.7,14.5,19.6,27,39,62.4,200)  GeV. Our results indicate that fluid vorticity leads to a delay in the evolution of the magnetic field, in which this effect becomes more pronounced as the collision energy decreases. Additionally, we have calculated the mean magnetic field values on the freeze-out hypersurface for various collision energies. Our simulation results align with the values inferred from experimental data of Λ¯−Λ, within the error margins.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Computation of the index on orbifold from the Atiyah-Segal-Singer fixed point theorem
Authors: Aoki Shoto , Takeuchi Maki
Published: November 2024

We investigate the independent chiral zero modes on the orbifolds from the Atiyah-Segal-Singer fixed point theorem. The required information for this calculation includes the fixed points of the orbifold and the manner in which the spatial symmetries act on these points, unlike previous studies that necessitated the calculation of zero modes. Since the fixed point theorem can be applied to any fermionic theory on any orbifold, it allows us to determine the index even on orbifolds where the calculation of zero modes is challenging or in the presence of nontrivial gauge configurations. We compute the indices on the T2/ZN(N=2,3,4,6) and T4/ZN(N=2,3,5) as examples. Furthermore, we also attempt to compute the indices on a Coxeter orbifold related to the D4 lattice.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Metastable doubly charged Rydberg trimers
Authors: Bosworth Daniel J. , Eiles Matthew T. , Schmelcher Peter
Published: November 2024

We examine an effectively one-electron system with three positive nuclei composed of a Rb*87 Rydberg atom interacting with a pair of Rb+87 ions and predict the existence of metastable vibrationally bound states of Rb32+87. These molecules are long-range trimers whose stability rests on the presence of core-shell electrons and favorable scaling of the Rydberg atom's quadrupole moment with the principal quantum number n. Unlike recently observed ion-Rydberg dimers, whose binding is due to internal flipping of the Rydberg atom's dipole moment, the binding of Rb32+87 arises from the interaction of the ions with the Rydberg atom's quadrupole moment. The stability of these trimers is highly sensitive to n. For n≤35, we estimate that the lifetime of the bound states should be limited by intercore tunneling of the Rydberg electron, which creates an instability in the system. However, we predict that the rate of this process decreases significantly with n, such that already for n=38 it is comparable in magnitude to the rate of spontaneous emission of the Rydberg state. The decreasing depth of the binding potential at larger n will further lead to an increase in the tunneling rate of the vibrational states from the molecular binding potential to dissociative regions of the adiabatic potential energy surface. Nonetheless, at n=38, this mechanism is only relevant for the highest-excited vibrational states in the binding potential.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Dynamics of electronic phase separation at the laser-induced insulator-metal transition in
(La0.6Pr0.4)0.7Ca0.3MnO3
Authors: Titze Tim , Staabs Maximilian , Henning Pia , Stroh Karen , Mathias Stefan , Moshnyaga Vasily , Steil Daniel
Published: November 2024

Ultrafast optical excitations allow creating new metastable and hidden states in quantum materials. However, the fundamental material properties required to support new emergent order are largely unknown. Here, we show for two colossal magnetoresistive (CMR) manganites that electronic phase separation (EPS) strongly favors nonthermal behavior and exploit this to stabilize an optically induced conducting state. Our results shed light on the role of EPS in the optical control of CMR manganites and provide guidance for the design of materials that can exhibit nonequilibrium states of matter.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
Noisy intermediate-scale quantum simulation of the one-dimensional wave equation
Authors: Wright Lewis , Mc Keever Conor , First Jeremy T. , Johnston Rory , Tillay Jeremy , Chaney Skylar , Rosenkranz Matthias , Lubasch Michael
Published: November 2024

We design and implement quantum circuits for the simulation of the one-dimensional wave equation on the Quantinuum H1-1 quantum computer. The circuit depth of our approach scales as O(n2) for n qubits representing the solution on 2n grid points, and leads to infidelities of O(2−4nt2) for simulation time t assuming smooth initial conditions. By varying the qubit count we study the interplay between the algorithmic and physical gate errors to identify the optimal working point of minimum total error. Our approach to simulating the wave equation can be used with appropriate state preparation algorithms across different quantum processors and serve as an application-oriented benchmark.

Published by the American Physical Society
2024
The general equation of δ direct methods and the novel SMAR algorithm residuals using the absolute value of ρ and the zero conversion of negative ripples
Authors: Rius Jordi
Published: November 2024

The general equation δ
M
(r) = ρ(r) + g(r) of the δ direct methods (δ-GEQ) is established which, when expressed in the form δ
M
(r) − ρ(r) = g(r), is used in the SMAR phasing algorithm [Rius (2020). Acta Cryst A76, 489–493]. It is shown that SMAR is based on the alternating minimization of the two residuals R
ρ(χ) = ∫
V
[ρ(χ) − ρ(Φ)s
ρ]2 dV and R
δ(Φ) = ∫
V

m
ρ[δ
M
(χ) − ρ(Φ)s
ρ]2 dV in each iteration of the algorithm by maximizing the respective S
ρ(Φ) and S
δ(Φ) sum functions. While R
ρ(χ) converges to zero, R
δ(Φ) converges, as predicted by the theory, to a positive quantity. These two independent residuals combine δ
M
and ρ each with |ρ| while keeping the same unknowns, leading to overdetermination for diffraction data extending to atomic resolution. At the beginning of a SMAR phase refinement, the zero part of the m
ρ mask [resulting from the zero conversion of the slightly negative ρ(Φ) values] occupies ∼50% of the unit-cell volume and increases by ∼5% when convergence is reached. The effects on the residuals of the two SMAR phase refinement modes, i.e. only using density functions (slow mode) supplemented by atomic constraints (fast mode), are discussed in detail. Due to its architecture, the SMAR algorithm is particularly well suited for Deep Learning. Another way of using δ-GEQ is by solving it in the form ρ(r) = δ
M
(r) − g(r), which provides a simple new derivation of the already known δ
M
tangent formula, the core of the δ recycling phasing algorithm [Rius (2012). Acta Cryst. A68, 399–400]. The nomenclature used here is: (i) Φ is the set of φ structure factor phases of ρ to be refined; (ii) δ
M
(χ) = FT−1{c(|E| − 〈|E|〉)×exp(iα)} with χ = {α}, the set of phases of |ρ| and c = scaling constant; (iii) m
ρ = mask, being either 0 or 1; s
ρ is 1 or −1 depending on whether ρ(Φ) is positive or negative.
Ethyl (2RS,3SR,4RS)-1-ethyl-2-(furan-2-yl)-4-hydroxy-5-oxopyrrolidine-3-carboxylate
Authors: Mohd Rosli Nor Habibah , Mohammat Mohd Fazli , Abdul Manan Mohd Abdul Fatah , Cordes David B. , McKay Aidan P.
Published: November 2024

The title racemic oxopyrrolidine compound, C13H17NO5, contains three stereogenic centres and crystallizes with two molecules in the asymmetric unit. The five-membered pyrrolidine rings in both molecules exhibit envelope conformations. The N-ethyl group of one of the molecules is disordered over two sets of sites in a 0.836 (4):0.164 (4) ratio. In the crystal, both molecules form inversion dimers through pairwise O—H...O hydrogen bonds, generating R
2
2(10) loops, which are linked into a three-dimensional network by weak C—H...O hydrogen bonds.
catena-Poly[[diphenyltin(IV)]-di-μ-isothiocyanato]: an unprecedented layered coordination polymer resulting from bridging κ2
N:S thiocyanato ligands
Authors: Pancratz Ann-Kathrin , Kamrowski Anne , Reuter Hans
Published: November 2024

In the title compound, diphenyltin(IV) diisothiocyanate, [Sn(NCS)2(C6H5)2]
n
or Ph2Sn(NCS)2, comparatively long tin–nitrogen and short tin–sulfur bonds prove that the ambidentate isothiocyanate ion acts as a bridge between two neighboring, octahedrally coordinated tin atoms. As a result, the molecules lose their individuality in favor of a layered coordination polymer that represents a new type of molecular interactions in the structural chemistry of diorganotin(IV) dihalides/pseudohalides. The tin atom is located on a center of inversion.
Investigation into electrochemical machining of aviation grade inconel 625 super alloy: an experimental study with advanced optimization and microstructural analysis
Authors: Painuly Madhusudan , Singh Ravi Pratap , Trehan Rajeev
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This article targeted to experimentally examine the impact of several considered process parameters namely, applied voltage (AV), tool feed rate, electrolyte concentration and pulse frequency (PF), on the material removal rate (MRR) and radial overcut (ROC) while performing shaped tube drilling of aviation grade Inconel 625 super alloy through electrochemical machining principle. Further, an attempt has also been made to develop mathematical models for the process responses along with advanced optimization with evolutionary methods.

Design/methodology/approach

The central composite rotatable design matrix was used to scheme out the experiments in the present study. The consistency and accuracy of the developed mathematical models were confirmed through statistical results. Additionally, a field emission scanning electron microscope analysis was conducted to assess and analyze the microstructure of the machined work samples. The study also seeks to optimize the selected process inputs for MRR and ROC through the implementation of the desirability method, particle swarm optimization (PSO) and Teaching Learning-Based Optimization (TLBO).

Findings

The ROC is significantly influenced by the input parameters, specifically the PF and AV. Less ROC values were observed when the high PF with moderate AV. The minimum and maximum values of ROC and MRR were obtained as; 135.128 µm and 380.720 µm; 1.37 mg/min and 2.3707 mg/min, correspondingly. The best optimized confirmatory results were obtained through the TLBO approach, with an MRR value of 3.1587 mg/min and a ROC of 71.9629 µm, in comparison to the PSO and desirability approaches.

Originality/value

The various challenges associated with the productive machining of aviation grade Inconel 625 superalloy have been explored experimentally. The conducted experimentation has been performed on the in-house fabricated micro-electrochemical setup capable of performing a variety of advanced machining operations at the miniaturized level. Further, the application of shaped tube drilling while processing aviation grade Inconel 625 superalloy has been explored with the developed micro-ECM set-up. Moreover, the performed microstructure analysis of the machined work samples has elaborated and explored the various associated surface integrity aspects which are quite crucial when it comes to real-life aerospace-related applications. The utility of designed experiments has further made the attempted experimental analysis more fruitful and qualitative too.
Engaging workers with disabilities in the financial sector: exploring promising practices through key informant interviews and a rapid literature review
Authors: Buettgen Alexis , Gardiola Andrea , Tompa Emile
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study explores the challenges, barriers and opportunities for engaging persons with disabilities in employment in the Canadian financial sector.

Design/methodology/approach

We situated this research within a critical disability conceptual framework to add to existing theories of employee engagement. We conducted an exploratory qualitative study of key informant interviews of the experiences of diverse persons with disabilities in the Canadian financial sector.

Findings

We found that the financial sector has the potential to be a leader in the engagement of workers with disabilities. Key challenges include corporate bureaucracy and a focus on aggressive growth that perpetuates ableist norms of individualism, self-reliance and competitive achievement. Key informant interviews indicated that opportunities for engagement can be fostered by committed leadership, inclusive corporate culture, supportive management, and respectful and responsive workplace accommodations.

Originality/value

This article contributes to the literature on opportunities for equity, diversity and inclusion at work through a critical exploration of the challenges and promising practices associated with supporting engagement of persons with disabilities in the Canadian financial sector and beyond.
A semantic network analysis of categorization in open government data portals
Authors: Park Eun G.
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to evaluate the semantic relationships between category terms that are used in open government data (OGD) portals and those identified in policy documents through the implementation of a semantic network analysis.

Design/methodology/approach

This study was conducted in three stages. Firstly, the study examined the semantic relationships between category terms in OGD portals by constructing a similarity matrix based on the terms’ co-occurrence and visualizing six-word groups. Secondly, the study investigated the semantic relationships among terms in OGD policy documents using latent semantic analysis and community detection methods, resulting in the identification and visualization of three network groups. Finally, the study used chi-squared and Z-tests to analyse differences in category terms between countries with and without redefined categories.

Findings

The results indicate that the three-word groups were identified by community detection, covering various aspects of government. In addition, there is a significant difference between the two country groups, with category terms being more prevalent in countries with predefined categories. This emphasizes the impact of categorization on term prevalence within OGD portals.

Originality/value

This study uniquely focuses on the categorization of government portals for sustainable open data management. The findings underscore the importance of effectively structuring and organizing data categories to enhance user discoverability and accessibility in OGD portals.
How leader’s psychological entitlement leads to despotic leadership causing employee-instigated workplace incivility: mediation of emotional exhaustion and moderation of Islamic work ethics
Authors: Raza Muhammad Ali , Imran Muhammad , Pervaiz Uzma , Khan Muhammad Jamil
Published: November 2024

Purpose

Leadership’s dark side has been on the rise, negatively affecting organizations. The phenomenon, however, is not as simple as it seems. Based on social exchange and conservation of resource theories, current research aims to explore the impact of psychological entitlement on despotic leadership, ultimately leading to instigated workplace incivility. Moreover, emotional exhaustion was tested as a mediator and Islamic work ethics as a moderator.

Design/methodology/approach

This study aims to examine the effect of dark side of leadership and for this, the survey approach was used to collect data from 402 bankers from Pakistan’s twin cities (Islamabad and Rawalpindi).

Findings

The results showed that psychological entitlement leads to despotism and despotic leaders become a reason for instigated workplace incivility. Results also showed that emotional exhaustion mediated, and Islamic work ethics moderated the relationship.

Practical implications

Bankers have a demanding job which is further exacerbated by despotic leaders feeling psychologically entitled and instigating employees toward uncivil behaviors as they experience emotional exhaustion. Despotic leaders need to be dealt with to reduce instigated incivility and Islamic work ethics can also aid in improving employee behavior.

Originality/value

Literature available on both antecedents and effects of the leadership’s dark side is limited, and this study strives to contribute by extending the literature available on psychological entitlement, despotic leadership and instigated workplace incivility relationships.
The impact of home institutions on the internationalization of emerging market SMEs: a systematic review
Authors: Kumari Sushma , Shirodkar Vikrant , McGuire Steven
Published: November 2024

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to review literature on home-country institutional factors influencing the internationalization of small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) from emerging markets. Based on the analysis, the authors propose a research agenda to guide future studies in this field.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper follows a systematic procedure to review 58 selected articles on how institutional contexts in emerging economies impact SME internationalization, covering studies from 1999 to 2023. This period was chosen to capture recent research following the post-1990 market liberalization in most emerging economies, which has shaped new opportunities and challenges for SMEs expanding abroad.

Findings

This literature review shows that SMEs’ internationalization knowledge in emerging markets is strongly shaped by home-country institutional conditions. Key mechanisms include imprinting by home institutions and learning from domestic institutional sources, both critical yet underexplored areas in SME development. These processes offer substantial opportunities for future research into how institutional contexts influence SMEs’ global growth.

Originality/value

This research builds on previous studies that have emphasized firm-level and external factors such as host market appeal, consumer needs and resource availability driving SMEs’ internationalization. Focusing on home institutional factors, the authors provide a comprehensive review of academic studies and propose a future research agenda on the external institutional influences shaping emerging market SMEs’ global expansion.
Red cabbage and eggshell powder as active agent on cassava starch-based edible films: its physicochemical properties and application
Authors: Jati Ignasius Radix A.P. , Kamaluddin Michael Angelo , Utomo Adrianus Rulianto , Setijawaty Erni , Edward Edward , Nugraha David Tjandra
Published: November 2024

Purpose

This study aims to investigate the application of red cabbage extract in biodegradable composite-based edible film and evaluate its physicochemical characteristics and ability to be used in steamed chicken packaging.

Design/methodology/approach

Cassava starch, gelatin and glycerol were used as basic materials for edible film. Red cabbage extract was infused, and eggshell powder was also incorporated. The smart edible film formulation consists of six treatments which are C (control: cassava starch + gelatin + glycerol), CE (control + 0.1% eggshell powder), CRA (control + red cabbage A ratio), CERA (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage A ratio), CERB (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage B ratio) and CERC (control + 0.1% eggshell powder + red cabbage C ratio).

Findings

The different ratios of red cabbage extract in the formulation of the edible film affected its physicochemical properties (p < 0.05). The range of anthocyanin content were 0.39–11.53 mg cy-3-glu-eq/100 g and phenolic content were 19.87–369.68 mg GAE/100 g. Meanwhile, the antioxidant activity was 12.35%–51.09%. The tensile strength in all treatments was lower than control and adding red cabbage extract decreased the tensile strength. On the other hand, the elongation increased. The water vapor transmission rate was ranged from 158.09 to 191.19 g/m2/24 h. Morphological changes can be observed from scanning electron microscopy and optical data. Furthermore, using steamed chicken as a model, the edible film can show a response through the changes in edible film color, as confirmed by the pH value, total plate count and sensory quality of the stored steamed chicken.

Originality/value

There is no report available on the infusion of red cabbage extract on the bio composite edible film materials. The result shows a promising packaging material that can be used as an alternative to plastic packaging.
A ‘how‐to’ guide for estimating animal diel activity using hierarchical models
Authors: Iannarilli Fabiola , Gerber Brian D. , Erb John , Fieberg John R.
Published: November 2024

Animal diel activity patterns can aid understanding of (a) how species behaviourally adapt to anthropogenic and natural disturbances, (b) mechanisms of species co‐existence through temporal partitioning, and (c) community or ecosystem effects of diel activity shifts.

Activity patterns often vary spatially, a feature ignored by the kernel density estimators (KDEs) currently used for estimating diel activity. Ignoring this source of heterogeneity may lead to biased estimates of uncertainty and misleading conclusions regarding the drivers of diel activity. Thus, there is a need for more flexible statistical approaches for estimating activity patterns and testing hypotheses regarding their biotic and abiotic drivers.

We illustrate how trigonometric terms and cyclic cubic splines combined with hierarchical models can provide a valuable alternative to KDEs. Like KDEs, these models accommodate circular data, but they can also account for site‐to‐site and other sources of variability, correlation amongst repeated measures, and variable sampling effort. They can also more readily quantify and test hypotheses related to the effects of covariates on activity patterns.

Through empirical case studies, we illustrate how hierarchical models can quantify changes in activity levels due to seasonality and in response to biotic and abiotic factors (e.g. anthropogenic stressors and co‐occurrence). We also describe frequentist and Bayesian approaches for quantifying site‐specific (conditional) and population‐averaged (marginal) activity patterns.

We provide guidelines and tutorials with detailed step‐by‐step instructions for fitting and interpreting hierarchical models applied to time‐stamped data, such as those recorded by camera traps and audio recorders. We conclude that this approach offers a viable, flexible, and effective alternative to KDEs when modelling animal activity patterns.
A nonlinear association between total selenium intake and blood selenium concentration: An analysis based on the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018
Authors: Bai Ya‐Zhi , Li Jia‐Meng , Zhang Shuang‐Qing
Published: November 2024

Diets are the major sources of selenium (Se) and biomonitoring Se is used for the assessment of Se status. The present study explored the association between Se intake and blood Se concentration from the National Health and Nutrition Examination Survey 2011–2018 data for optimizing Se reference intakes among American adults and interpreted the data in the context of exposure guidance values. Weighted linear regression models were conducted to evaluate the association between Se intake and blood Se concentration. Restricted cubic spline models were employed to explore the dose–response association between total Se intake and blood Se concentration. Blood Se concentrations were compared to biomonitoring equivalents established for exposure guidance values. For gender, race, educational status, poverty income ratio, body mass index, smoking status, dietary Se intake, and total Se intake, significant differences were observed among quartiles of blood Se concentration. There was no significant difference for age and alcohol use. There was a positive association between dietary Se intake and blood Se concentration although the association was not statistically significant following the adjustments for covariates. When the associations between total Se intake and blood Se concentration were assessed, no statistically significant relationship was found. The restricted cubic spline supported a significant nonlinear association between total Se intake and blood Se concentration with/without the adjustments of covariates. The present work displayed a baseline for Se exposure among American adults. Considering the sex difference in dietary Se and blood Se concentration, it is necessary to establish gender‐based Se reference intakes.
Impact of periampullary diverticula on the rates of successful cannulation and ERCP complications: An up‐to‐date systematic review and meta‐analysis
Authors: Xie Xiao Xi , Li Xiao , Chen Yong Hao , Geng Chong , Wang Chun Hui
Published: November 2024

Objectives

Periampullary diverticulum (PAD) is usually incidentally discovered during abdominal imaging, gastrointestinal endoscopy, and endoscopic retrograde cholangiopancreatography (ERCP). The influence of PAD on ERCP outcomes is unclear. The aim of this systematic review and meta‐analysis was to provide an up‐to‐date evaluation of the impact of PAD on cannulation and ERCP‐related complications.

Methods

PubMed, Web of Science, Cochrane Library and EMBASE databases were searched for relevant articles published up to October 31, 2023. The rates of successful cannulation and post‐ERCP complications were compared between the PAD and non‐PAD groups. The quality of the studies was evaluated with the Newcastle‐Ottawa Scale (NOS). The meta‐analysis was conducted using Review Manager 5.3.

Results

Twenty‐eight articles were included. Non‐PAD was associated with a relatively high cannulation success rate (odds ratio [OR] 0.72, 95% confidence interval [CI] 0.54–0.97, p = 0.03). However, after 2015, PAD was not correlated with cannulation failure (OR 0.81, 95% CI 0.59–1.11, p = 0.20). Compared with intradiverticular papilla (IDP), non‐IDP had a higher successful cannulation rate (OR 0.42, 95% CI 0.25–0.72, p = 0.002), while IDP increased the difficult cannulation rate (OR 1.60, 95% CI 1.05–2.44, p = 0.03). Additionally, PAD increased the incidence of ERCP‐related pancreatitis (OR 1.24, 95% CI 1.10–1.40, p = 0.0006) and bleeding (OR 1.34, 95% CI 1.03–1.73, p = 0.03).

Conclusions

Although PAD, especially IDP, decreased the cannulation success rate, PAD was no longer considered a significant obstacle to cannulation after 2015. PAD increased the incidence of post‐ERCP pancreatitis and bleeding.
The causal role of immune cells in primary Sjögren's syndrome: A two‐sample Mendelian randomization
Authors: Liu Yang , Kang Jie , Su Yazhen , Fan Xiuying , Ma Dan , Wu Zewen , Gong Xueyan , Zhao Junkang , Zhang Liyun
Published: November 2024

Background

Primary Sjögren's syndrome (pSS) is an autoimmune disease characterized by the destruction of exocrine glands primarily via T‐cell‐mediated B‐cell over‐activation and cytokine production. This leads to pronounced dryness of the mouth and eyes and can result in multi‐systemic involvement affecting the kidneys, lungs, and blood. In recent years, there has been increasing attention on the role of immune cells in pSS. However, studies investigating the causal role of immune cells in pSS have been relatively limited.

Methods

In this study, we employed a two‐way two‐sample Mendelian randomization approach to assess the causal relationship between immune cells and pSS. Utilizing publicly available genome‐wide association study (GWAS) data, we explored the causal links between 731 immunophenotypically labeled immune cells and the risk of pSS.

Results

Through the use of instrumental variables derived from GWAS data and corrected for false discovery rate (FDR), we identified three immune cells with increased levels that were causally associated with pSS risk (FDR < 0.05). These included IgD+ CD38br AC B cells, CD27 on IgD+ CD38− unswitched memory B cells, and Granulocyte % leukocyte. Additionally, three immune cells with reduced levels were found to be causally associated with pSS risk, namely CD4+ CD8dim %lymphocyte, CD4+ CD8dim %leukocyte, and CD28 on activated and secreting regulatory T cells (Tregs). Furthermore, the development of pSS was associated with elevated levels of CD33br HLA DR+ CD14− % CD33br HLA DR+ in myeloid cells.

Conclusion

This study demonstrates that immune responses influence the progression of pSS in a complex pattern. Our findings may provide new insights into the immunology of pSS pathogenesis and more experimental studies should be conducted to further explore the potential mechanisms between identified immune features and pSS risk, which may provide a basis for exploring early intervention methods for pSS and developing targeted therapeutic strategies or even reshaping immune homeostasis.
EU peace capacities: An analysis of the EU's integration of the youth, peace and security agenda
Authors: Peregrina Jusaima Moaid‐azm
Published: November 2024

This contribution examines the integration of the youth, peace and security (YPS) agenda within the European Union (EU). This integration has evolved from initial recognition to a stronger implementation phase. Key milestones include the Young Med Voices Plus Initiative and the recent Youth Action Plan for 2022–2027. However, challenges remain. These include inconsistent support and the need for more specific strategies for youth in conflict settings. Recent developments such as the inclusion of the YPS agenda in EU Peace Mediation Guidelines signal progress towards a more systematic integration.
Comparing Needle and Surgical Biopsy in Small Peripheral Non‐Small Cell Lung Cancer With Suspected Pleural Invasion: A Propensity Score‐Matched Study
Authors: Yun Sangil , Yun Taeyoung , Park Ji Hyeon , Na Bubse , Park Samina , Lee Hyun Joo , Park In Kyu , Kang Chang Hyun , Kim Young Tae , Na Kwon Joong
Published: November 2024

Background

This study aimed to compare long‐term clinical outcomes of percutaneous needle biopsy (PCNB) versus surgical biopsy in patients with peripheral, small‐sized clinical stage 1 non‐small cell lung cancer (NSCLC) with computed tomography (CT)‐defined visceral pleural invasion (VPI).

Methods

We retrospectively analyzed patients who underwent surgery for NSCLC with CT‐defined VPI between 2010 and 2017. We excluded patients with non‐peripheral NSCLC, or cancers > 3 cm. Propensity score matching was carried out to adjust for confounding variables. The primary endpoint was ipsilateral pleural recurrence‐free survival, while secondary endpoints included overall survival and recurrence‐free survival.

Results

Of the 1671 patients with peripheral, small‐sized clinical stage 1 NSCLC with CT‐defined VPI, 805 underwent PCNB, and 866 had a surgical biopsy. Propensity score matching assigned 562 patients to each group. Before matching, the PCNB group demonstrated worse baseline characteristics, including older age, higher smoking history, and more adverse pathological findings. After matching, the 5‐year recurrence‐free survival for ipsilateral pleural recurrence (98.6% vs. 96.0%, p = 0.002) and overall survival (93.8% vs. 90.2%, p = 0.003) were significantly higher in the surgical biopsy group compared with the PCNB group. Multivariable analysis revealed that PCNB significantly increased the risks of all‐cause mortality and various recurrences before and after matching.

Conclusions

Compared with surgery biopsy, PCNB was associated with higher risks of all‐cause mortality and recurrences, including ipsilateral pleural recurrence. PCNB should be considered with caution in cases of peripheral stage 1 NSCLC where CT‐defined VPI is suspected.
The sovereign climate debt trap and natural disaster clauses
Authors: Park Stephen Kim , Samples Tim R
Published: November 2024

The growing prevalence and magnitude of climate‐related natural disasters are perpetuating a climate debt trap in which recovery costs compound over time, progressively eroding the capacity of governments to obtain financing to respond to them. How can countries participating in global financial markets respond? This article focuses on natural disaster clauses in sovereign debt contracts, which enable a national government to temporarily suspend payments to its creditors when a natural disaster strikes the country. Natural disaster clauses are analyzed and critiqued as an example of contract innovation amidst ongoing debates about legal reform of the global financial system in response to climate change.
Parental alcohol use and the level of child protection response in Australia (2012–21)
Authors: Smit Koen , Rintala Jade , Riordan Benjamin , Lee Kylie , Laslett Anne‐Marie
Published: November 2024

Aims

To measure the association of harmful alcohol use by parents and primary caregivers with the level of child protection response.

Design, setting and participants

This study was a multivariable logistic regression analysis using data drawn from the Victorian child protection database (2012–21) in Victoria, Australia. Focusing upon the most recent case per child, we analysed whether harmful parental alcohol use was probably associated with children‘s progression throughout the child protection system (from investigation phase, to substantiation, through to protective intervention, protection application and protection orders), while adjusting for socio‐demographic variables. The participants comprised 352 800 children [48.5% female, 50.0% male, 1.6% other/unknown; mean age = 8.1 (0–18 years)] with one or more reports (mean = 1.4) in the child protection system.

Measurements

Child protection workers reported on two risk factor variables indicating parental alcohol use during an intake risk assessment: ‘alcohol abuse‘ and ‘alcohol use compromises child‘s safety‘.

Findings

Of the 95 592 child cases investigated between 2012 and 2021, 50 476 were substantiated. Probable parental alcohol use was reported as a risk factor in 5.1% of children investigated and substantiated in 9.1% of children. The odds of progressing to investigation [odds ratio (OR) = 1.64, 95% confidence interval (CI) = 1.59, 1.69, P < 0.001], substantiation (OR = 2.02, 95% CI = 1.91, 2.13, P < 0.001), protective intervention (OR = 1.40, 95% CI = 1.23, 1.59, P < 0.001), protection application (OR = 1.16, 95% CI = 1.08, 1.25, P < 0.001) and protection order (OR = 1.17, 95% CI = 1.02, 1.34, P = 0.028) were statistically significantly higher for children experiencing probable parental harmful alcohol use. However, the associations for protection application and protection order were not statistically significant after accounting for variables related to family accommodation, income and composition.

Conclusions

In Victoria, Australia, in cases where child protection workers document parental alcohol use, those children are more likely to progress through the Victorian child protection system than children whose parents have no documented alcohol use.
Enduring Connexions: Reflections on fieldwork friendships and the gift
Authors: Sliwinski Alicia
Published: November 2024

Drawing on the life writing genres of autoethnography and autotheory, this article reflects on the author's enduring friendships with research participants in El Salvador and Cuba through the seminal anthropological concept of the gift.
Knowledge(s) and Power in the Stop Line 3 Movement: From Colonial Logics to Epistemic Justice
Authors: Miller Sirkka
Published: November 2024

The conflicts between Indigenous‐led anti‐pipeline resistance and fossil fuel corporations are clear case studies for epistemic injustice. In these conflicts, Indigenous analyses of proposed pipeline projects and their consequences are marginalised within state‐based regulatory processes, resulting in the endorsement of land sacrifice for corporate benefit. Epistemic injustice has historically served to legitimate the dispossession of Indigenous land, but water protectors seek to interrupt this pattern. Through a textual analysis of documents published by the Stop Line 3 movement, I demonstrate that water protectors identify epistemic injustice as a motivating issue in their struggle, and employ direct action as a method to circumvent institutional silencing. This paper supports the view that anti‐pipeline blockades are a point of rupture in epistemic norms, wherein water protectors experiment with methods through which suppressed knowledge(s) may push back against “abyssal” epistemologies in a move towards epistemic justice.