bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Diastolic function and its relationship with the ATP-III criteria for metabolic syndrome in a Latin American cohort
Authors: Estévez Gómez María Juliana , Acevedo Peña Diego Andrey , Castillo Goyeneche Silvia Fernanda , Arias Anderson Felipe , Dulcey Sarmiento Luis Andres , Gomez Jaime , Hernandez Carlos , Theran Leon Juan Sebastián , Caltagirone Raimondo , Blanco Edgar , Ciliberti María , Calderon Amaya Silvia Yulieth , Gutierrez Emily , Lizcano Angie , Amaya Maria Camila , Lobo Diego
Published: October 2023

INTRODUCTION

In South America, heart failure poses a substantial concern due to its widespread occurrence and insufficient data accuracy. Metabolic syndrome, a risk factor for heart disease and diabetes, is the focal point of the study, which seeks to examine its correlation with left ventricular diastolic function (LVDF) and indications of heart failure in adults within a South American hospital.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

A cross-sectional study with 2380 adults aged 65-79 in a South American hospital reveals connections between metabolic syndrome (MetS) and heart health. Using ATP-III criteria, MetS was identified, and cardiac function was assessed by echocardiography. Significant associations between MetS and various cardiac indicators were found.

RESULTS

Metabolic Syndrome (MetS) affected 33.1% of the sample, showing health differences and cardiac alterations, including ejection fraction changes. Associations with diastolic dysfunction criteria and complex relationships between natriuretic peptides and ventricular filling pressure were observed.

CONCLUSIONS

Metabolic syndrome links to significant changes in diastolic function and left ventricular structure, but not with alterations in the left atrium. Nevertheless, individuals with Metabolic Syndrome are more prone to receiving a diagnosis of chronic heart failure. Further extensive studies in diverse populations are advised.
Genomic Insights into the 2023 Outbreak of Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis in Pakistan: Identification of Coxsackievirus A24 Variant through Next Generation Sequencing
Authors: Haider Syed Adnan , Jamal Zunera , Ammar Muhammad , Hakim Rabia , Salman Muhammad , Umair Massab
Published: October 2023

Acute Hemorrhagic Conjunctivitis (AHC) has caused a significant outbreak in Pakistan in 2023, leading to a surge in cases across various cities. To gain insights into the genetic makeup of the virus responsible for the outbreak, the National Institute of Health, Islamabad conducted a study involving twenty individuals with suspected conjunctivitis in Islamabad. Five of these samples underwent whole-genome sequencing for the first-time in Pakistan, revealing Coxsackievirus A24 variant (CVA24v), genotype IV. Phylogenetic analysis revealed a higher homology (99.38-99.43%) with isolates from Zhongshan, China, in June 2023, with notable mutations concentrated in the 3D and VP1 regions. The sample also exhibited a 94% homology with 2015 France isolates. Comparing the 2023 study sequence with partial 2005 Pakistan sequences revealed divergence in the VP1 region, marked by three non-synonymous mutations (“H25P,” “I89V,” and “I90L”), while no mutation was found in the VP3 region. Notably, no intertypic recombination events were detected. This study underscores the significance of genomic surveillance for effective understanding and management of infectious disease outbreaks, offering crucial insights for public health interventions.
Machine learning based on event-related oscillations of working memory differentiates between preclinical Alzheimer’s disease and neurotypical aging
Authors: Liao Ke , Martin Laura E. , Fakorede Sodiq , Brooks William M. , Burns Jeffrey M. , Devos Hannes
Published: October 2023

There is increasing evidence of the usefulness of electroencephalography (EEG) as an early neurophysiological marker of preclinical AD. Our objective was to apply machine learning approaches on event-related oscillations to discriminate preclinical AD from neurotypical controls. Twenty-two preclinical AD participants who were cognitively normal with elevated amyloid and 21 cognitively normal with no elevated amyloid controls completed n-back working memory tasks (n= 0, 1, 2). EEG signals were recorded through a high-density sensor net. The event-related spectral changes were extracted using the discrete wavelet transform in the delta, theta, alpha, and beta bands. The support vector machine (SVM) machine learning method was employed to classify participants, and classification performance was assessed using the Area Under the Curve (AUC) metric. The relative power of the beta and delta bands outperformed other frequency bands with higher AUC values. The 2-back task obtained higher AUC values than the 0 and 1-back tasks. The highest AUC values were from the 2-back task beta band (AUC = 0.86) and delta bands (AUC = 0.85) nontarget data. This study demonstrates the promise of using machine learning on EEG event-related oscillations from working memory tasks to detect preclinical AD.
Immunotherapy for ovarian cancer is improved by tumor targeted delivery of a neoantigen surrogate
Authors: Scanlon Lauren Rose , Gabor Lisa , Khouri Olivia Richardson , Ahmad Shahbaz , Levy Evan , Kuo Dennis Yi-Shin , Lin Ken , Nevadunsky Nicole , Gravekamp Claudia
Published: October 2023

Ovarian cancer is known for its poor neoantigen expression and strong immunosuppression. Here, we utilized an attenuated non-pathogenic bacterium Listeria monocytogenes to deliver a highly immunogenic Tetanus Toxoid protein (Listeria-TT), as a neoantigen surrogate, into tumor cells through infection in a metastatic mouse ovarian cancer model (Id8p53-/-Luc). Gemcitabine (GEM) was added to reduce immune suppression. Listeria-TT+GEM treatments resulted in tumors expressing TT and reactivation of pre-existing CD4 and CD8 memory T cells to TT (generated early in life). These T cells were then attracted to the TT-expressing tumors now producing perforin and granzyme B. This correlated with a strong reduction in the ovarian tumors and metastases, and a significant improvement of the survival time compared to all control groups. Moreover, two treatment cycles with Listeria-TT+GEM doubled the survival time compared to untreated mice. Checkpoint inhibitors have little effect on ovarian cancer partly because of low neoantigen expression. Here we demonstrated that Listeria-TT+GEM+PD1 was significantly more effective (efficacy and survival) than PD1 or Listeria-TT+GEM alone, and that more treatment cycles with Listeria-TT+GEM+PD1 significantly increased the survival time compared to Listeria-TT+GEM alone. In summary, the results of this study suggest that our approach may benefit ovarian cancer patients.
The library's influence and impact on learning: a case study from The Open University (UK)
Authors: Killick Selena
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The Open University (OU) in the UK has been providing distance learning since 1969. The purpose of this case study is to outline the impact that The OU Library in the UK has had on student learning outcomes by embedding academic literature and digital and information literacy (DIL) skills materials in the curriculum.

Design/methodology/approach

The case study presents an overview of the university context, including how the curriculum is developed. It discusses the role of the library in this process, outlining how librarians work with academic staff to embed skills and literature in the curriculum. Unique in-house technical solutions are presented to aid future approaches to providing distance library services.

Findings

The impact of the library on university education is discussed. Findings from qualitative research are presented, outlining the value the university places on the role of the library as an educational partner. Quantitative research studies are also presented, outlining the positive relationships between library content access and training attendance with student success.

Practical implications

As universities are considering their distance-learning offerings post-COVID-19, it is hoped that this case study will help both library and university administrators examine the role of their libraries in this strategy.

Originality/value

A case study on the approach The OU Library takes to support education in its broadest sense has not been published before.
The influences of eccentricity on the fastener load and bearing strength of eccentric connection in aircraft structure
Authors: Li Chenghu
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to study the influences of eccentricity on the fastener load and bearing strength of the eccentric connection in the aircraft structure.

Design/methodology/approach

The special experiment is designed for the researches. The fastener loads of the eccentric connection are gained by using the derived formulas and numerical analysis, and the fastener load rules is verified by the experiment. The bearing strength of the eccentric connection is investigated by the experiments under different eccentricities compared with that gained from the experiment.

Findings

The study results are summarized as follows. Magnitude of the fastener load in the eccentric connection is greatly affected by distance from the fastener to the centroid of the fastener cluster and that from the fastener to the concentrated load. With the increase of eccentricity of the homolateral concentrated load, the fastener load increases, and difference of the fastener loads becomes larger, forming the short plate effect of the bucket. It means that fastener with the maximum load (the shortest plate of the bucket) leads to decrease of the bearing strength of the eccentric connection (the capacity of the bucket).

Originality/value

The investigation on the influence of eccentricity on the bearing strength of eccentric connection is firstly presented. The vector expression of the fastener load in eccentric connection is firstly derived. And the influencing mechanism of the fastener load on the bearing strengths of the different eccentric connections is demonstrated. The study results can provide guidance for the structure design of the eccentric connection.
Platform-based support for AI uptake by SMEs: guidelines to design service bundles
Authors: Gladysz Bartlomiej , Matteri Davide , Ejsmont Krzysztof , Corti Donatella , Bettoni Andrea , Haber Guerra Rodolfo
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Manufacturing small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) have already noticed the tangible benefits offered by artificial intelligence (AI). Several approaches have been proposed with a view to support them in the processes entailed in this innovation path. These include multisided platforms created to enable the connection between SMEs and AI developers, making it easier for them to network each other. While such platforms are complex, they facilitate simultaneous interaction with several stakeholders and reaching out to new potential users (both SMEs and AI developers), through a collaboration with supporting ecosystems such as digital innovation hubs (DIHs).

Design/methodology/approach

Mixed methods were used. The literature review was performed to identify the existing approaches within and outside the manufacturing domain. Computer-assisted telephonic (in-depth) interviewing , was conducted to include perspectives of AI platform stakeholders and collect primary data from various European countries.

Findings

Several challenges and barriers for AI platform stakeholders were identified alongside the corresponding best practices and guidelines on how to address them.

Originality/value

An effective approach was proposed to provide support to the industrial platform managers in this field, by developing guidelines and best practices on how a platform should build its services to support the ecosystem.
Stiffness analysis of nutation face gear considering roughness
Authors: Zhu Lili , Bai Jinxu , Liang Xu , Jia Maojin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this paper is to calculate the meshing stiffness of nutation face gear considering the roughness, establish the calculation method of time-varying meshing stiffness of rough tooth surface and analyze the influence of roughness, load and other factors on the meshing stiffness of tooth surface.

Design/methodology/approach

The Weierstrass–Mandelbrot (W-M) function in the Majumdar–Bhushan model is used to characterize the rough contact line of the tooth surface, the normal height and radius of the micro convex body are calculated and the contact flexibility of the contact point of the tooth surface is obtained. The contact flexibility and the bending shear deformation flexibility obtained previously are substituted into the improved deformation compatibility equation for iterative calculation, and the time-varying meshing stiffness of the nutation face gear considering the roughness is obtained.

Findings

Compared with ABAQUS finite element simulation results, it is found that the meshing stiffness curve of rough tooth surface is more gentle than that of smooth tooth surface, the meshing stiffness value is smaller and the meshing stiffness change is smaller at the position where the number of gear teeth coincide changes.

Originality/value

In the process of calculating contact deformation, the fractal theory W-M function is used to characterize the contact line of the rough nutation face gear, and the deformation coordination condition considering roughness is improved. Therefore, the method of time-varying meshing stiffness considering roughness can obtain more accurate results, which provides theory and data for the subsequent dynamics analysis of the nutation face gear transmission.
The impact of economic policy uncertainty on stock types while considering the economic cycle. A quantile regression approach
Authors: Paule-Vianez Jessica , Orden-Cruz Carmen , Prado-Román Camilo , Gómez-Martínez Raúl
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to analyse the effects of Economic Policy Uncertainty (EPU) on the return of growth/value and small/large-cap stocks during expansionary and recessionary periods across a conditional distribution.

Design/methodology/approach

The authors selected a sample covering the period between 01/1995–05/2021. Quantile regressions were applied to the EPU and Russell indices. Business cycles were established following the NBER.

Findings

The results show that EPU has a negative effect on stocks with the intensity of the effect depending on the stock's profile. Small-cap and growth stocks were found to be most sensitive to EPU, especially during recessions. The negative effect is moderated by the economic cycle but is progressively diluted at the lower tail of the stock return distribution.

Practical implications

The findings shed more light on investment strategies for growth/value investors that pursue opportunities arising from a changing economic cycle.

Originality/value

This study makes the following contributions: (1) explores the impact of EPU on the return of different stocks across a conditional distribution, and (2) provides evidence on how the economic cycle influences EPU impact on growth/value stocks and small/large stocks.
Gamification design: toward developing image perception scales for generation Z consumers
Authors: Stylos Nikolaos , Vassiliadis Chris A.
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Drawing from the Personal Construct Theory, this study aims to analyze the impact of using gamified apps on user behavior by investigating the service-related images and individual preferences of Generation Z (GenZ) consumers, as these emerge from gamified applications in a tourism context.

Design/methodology/approach

The repertory grid analysis (RGA) elicited the top elements that reflect GenZer perceptions in tourism from empirical studies in the UK and Greece. Generalized procrustes analysis was used to investigate the structure of the data for the creation of representative consensus biplots of the most important conceptual constructs to advance consumer decision-making modeling via gamification.

Findings

As per different gamified app best-practices considered, the authors extract not only common perceptual elements (e.g. place informative aspects, exploration, lodgings, food/catering) but also different image components (e.g. virtual/interactive, business vs commercial traveling, entertainment, heritage/cultural informative aspects) from comparing UK with Greek GenZers’ responses. These extracted attributes are then presented in two dimensional charts, respectively, toward creating tourist perception scales.

Research limitations/implications

Notwithstanding the wide availability of gamified apps, research on gamification design in tourism and hospitality is still in the early phase. This study demonstrates the need to identify and optimize the formation of different images among GenZers. It also highlights the advantageous nature of the proposed combination of procrustes analysis with the RGA.

Originality/value

To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this research is among the first empirical ones toward creating scales for measuring tourist perceptions of GenZers coming from different consumer markets. It responds to scholars’ recent calls for better informing gamification design and improving contemporary consumer experience.
A comprehensive analysis of the societal impact of industrial diversity on sustainable economic development
Authors: Zhong Litao , Wen Lei , Wang Zhimin
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to explore the interplay between industrial diversity and sustainable economic development in US counties.

Design/methodology/approach

Among other popularly used measures, this study uses an underused measure, Hachman index, to gauge the degree of industrial diversity in the models. To capture the impact of industrial diversity on the local community, this study estimates the relationship of two diversity measures to four traditional socioeconomic indicators: per capita personal income growth, gross domestic product per worker, income inequality ratio and poverty rate.

Findings

Statistical results suggest that industrial diversity, which is measured by Hachman index, is significantly related to the four socio-economic indicators. Industrial diversity can positively contribute to regional per capita personal income growth and mitigate income inequality and poverty stress; however, it is negatively related to the gross domestic product (GDP) per worker, which means industrial specialization may contribute to GDP per worker growth.

Originality/value

The findings of this study show that there is a nonlinear relationship between industrial diversity and all socioeconomic indicators. Most of the control variables, human capital variables and business and industry profile variables also display significant and positive impacts on economic development.
“Really being yourself”? Racial minority entrepreneurs navigating othering and authenticity through identity work
Authors: van Merriënboer Maud , Verver Michiel , Radu-Lefebvre Miruna
Published: October 2023

Purpose

Drawing on an intersectional perspective on racial, migrant and entrepreneurial identities, this paper investigates the identity work of racial minority entrepreneurs with native-born and migrant backgrounds, confronted to experiences of othering in a White entrepreneurial ecosystem.

Design/methodology/approach

The study takes a qualitative-interpretivist approach and builds on six cases of racial minority entrepreneurs in nascent stages of venture development within the Dutch technology sector. The dataset comprises 24 in-depth interviews conducted over the course of one and a half year, extensive case descriptions and online sources. The data is thematically and inductively analysed.

Findings

Despite strongly self-identifying as entrepreneurs, the research participants feel marginalised and excluded from the entrepreneurial ecosystem, which results in ongoing threats to their existential authenticity as they build a legitimate entrepreneurial identity. Minority entrepreneurs navigate these threats by either downplaying or embracing their marginalised racial and/or migrant identities.

Originality/value

The study contributes to the literature on the identity work of minority entrepreneurs. The paper reveals that, rather than “strategising away” the discrimination and exclusion resulting from othering, racial minority entrepreneurs seek to preserve their sense of existential authenticity and self-worth, irrespective of entrepreneurial outcomes. In so doing, the study challenges the dominant perspective of entrepreneurial identity work among minority entrepreneurs as overly instrumental and market-driven. Moreover, the study also contributes to the literature on authenticity in entrepreneurship by highlighting how racial minority entrepreneurs navigate authenticity threats while building legitimacy in a White ecosystem.
Is aggressive tax planning a failure of tax adviser integrity?
Authors: Ordower Henry
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This paper aims to address the fundamentals of tax planning and seeks to focus on the opportunities and root causes for tax planning.

Design/methodology/approach

The paper reviews the current state of tax planning with case studies that reveal fundamental statutory structural opportunities.

Findings

While some, possibly many, tax advisers lack integrity and recommend tax structures to their clients that are inconsistent with reasonable interpretations of the tax law, most advisers, even very aggressive and creative advisers, probably do not. The paper suggests that it may be futile to seek to deter tax professionals from designing and marketing tax plans unless legislation makes tax advisers jointly responsible with their clients for their clients’ tax underpayments.

Practical implications

Short of such a radical approach, governments must commit first to altering the basic structure of their tax laws to make aggressive tax planning uninviting.

Originality/value

The paper offers original insights into the inseparability of the legislative process from the creation of unnecessary tax planning opportunities.
Exploring the nonlinear effect of shadow economies on sustainable development in Africa: does the level of financial market development matter?
Authors: Kusi Baah Aye
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This study aims to examine the nonlinear threshold effect of shadow economy on sustainable development in Africa while providing additional evidence on how this nonlinear threshold effect play out in economies with high and low developed financial/credit markets.

Design/methodology/approach

This study uses 37 African economies between 2009 and 2017 in a dynamic GMM panel model that controls for country, year and technological effects to ensure consistency and reliability of results and findings.

Findings

The results reveal that there is an inverted nonlinear U-shape nexus between the size of shadow economy and sustainable development in both short run and long run in Africa and across economies with high and low developed credit/financial market. Also, the threshold points beyond which the size of shadow economies dampens sustainable development is lower for economies with high financial/credit market development and higher in the long run.

Practical implications

These results have policy implications and recommendations and suggest that shadow economies can be beneficial to sustainable development particularly when the size of shadow economies are restrained from increasing beyond certain thresholds/levels. Moreso, to restrict the adverse effect of shadow economies on sustainable development, policymakers can rely on developing their financial/credit markets to tame the destructive nature of shadow economies on sustainable development. These results are robust to technological, year/time and country effects.

Originality/value

To the best of the author’s knowledge, this study examines for the first in the context of Africa, the nonlinear effect of shadow economies on sustainable development under low and high developed financial markets.
What the eyes don't see, the heart doesn't buy: the Premium Motors case
Authors: Vieira Noveletto Guilherme Henrique , Lana Jailson , Beal Partyka Raul , Rocha Lemos João Roberto
Published: October 2023

Purpose

This teaching case aims to encourage reflection on the formulation of the strategic repositioning of an automotive dealership.

Design/methodology/approach

Built on the teaching case method, it portrays the situation of the Premium Motors automotive dealership in the face of a strategic repositioning. Management and the board discuss ways to minimize the impact of the coronavirus disease 2019 (COVID-19) pandemic on sales figures. The situation presents the possibility of entering a new product segment.

Findings

How to make consumers correctly understand the new positioning? The case is structured to enable reflection and teaching of marketing strategies, with each student having the possibility of putting themselves in the role of company managers. The environment and trajectory are also portrayed, broadening the perception of the studied company and providing devices for solving the emerging problems of the case.

Originality/value

The case becomes a tool to promote knowledge, from the implementation to the management of strategic repositioning. Thus, the teaching notes offer directions on how professors can use the teaching case with their undergraduate and graduate students in disciplines related to strategy and marketing.
Current status and reflection on the development of high-speed maglev transportation
Authors: Li Hongmei , Shi Junling , Li Xiangdong , Zhang Junbo , Chen Yunlong
Published: October 2023

Purpose

High-speed maglev technology can address the issues of adhesion, friction, vibration and high-speed current collection in traditional wheel-rail systems, making it an important direction for the future development of high-speed rail technology.

Design/methodology/approach

This paper elaborates on the demand and significance of developing high-speed maglev technology worldwide and examines the current status and technological maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems globally.

Findings

This paper summarizes the challenges in the development of high-speed maglev railways in China. Based on this analysis, it puts forward considerations for future research on high-speed maglev railways.

Originality/value

This paper describes the development status and technical maturity of several major high-speed maglev systems in the world for the first time, summarizes the existing problems in the development of China's high-speed maglev railway and on this basis, puts forward the thinking of the next research of China's high-speed maglev railway.
Ultra sensitive determination of Cadmium (II) using Ag-Au BMNPs–aptamer–modified glassy carbon electrodes (GCE)
Authors: Yadav Reetu , Kushwah Mamta , Berlina Anna Nikolaevna , Gaur Mulayam Singh
Published: October 2023

Purpose

The purpose of this study is determination of cadmium using silver-gold bimetallic nanoparticles (Ag-Au BMNPs) and an aptamer modified glassy carbon electrode.

Design/methodology/approach

The maximum response of modified electrode was obtained with, 50 mV pulse amplitude, 20 mV/s scan rate in phosphate buffer of pH 4.0. Ag-Au BMNPs, as the mediators improved electron transmit during the entire electron transfer process and the aptasensor response. Herein, the authors used aptamer as the capture probe to prepare an aptasensor with enhanced stability.

Findings

The proposed aptasensor exhibited a wide linearity to cadmium in the range of 0.001–0.100 µg/L with a low detection limit of 0.005×10−3 µg/L. The glassy carbon electrodes with Ag-Au BMNPs showed a lower detection limit.

Originality/value

This aptasensor has good reproducibility, stability and repeatability and is cost-effective to regenerate. The specificity and selectivity of the novel modified electrode is tested in the presence of other interfering metal ions such as Fe2+, Mn2+, Mg2+, Sb3+ and Bi3+. The aptasensor shows 10 times more sensitivity and selectivity for Cd2+ ions.
Natto extract inhibits infection caused by the Aujeszky's disease virus in mice
Authors: Kobayashi Junya , Wen Rongduo , Nishikawa Takanobu , Nunomura Yuka , Suzuki Takehito , Sejima Yudai , Gokan Toshiya , Furukawa Makio , Yokota Tomoko , Osawa Nanako , Sato Yoko , Nibu Yutaka , Mizutani Tetsuya , Oba Mami
Published: October 2023

Aujeszky's disease virus (ADV), also known as Suid alphaherpesvirus 1, which mainly infects swine, causes life‐threatening neurological disorders. This disease is a serious global risk factor for economic losses in the swine industry. The development of new anti‐ADV drugs is highly anticipated and required. Natto, a traditional Japanese fermented food made from soybeans, is a well‐known health food. In our previous study, we confirmed that natto has the potential to inhibit viral infections by severe acute respiratory syndrome coronavirus 2 and bovine alphaherpesvirus 1 through their putative serine protease(s). In this study, we found that an agent(s) in natto functionally impaired ADV infection in cell culture assays. In addition, ADV treated with natto extract lost viral infectivity in the mice. We conducted an HPLC gel‐filtration analysis of natto extract and molecular weight markers and confirmed that Fraction No. 10 had ADV‐inactivating ability. Furthermore, the antiviral activity of Fraction No. 10 was inhibited by the serine protease inhibitor 4‐(2‐Aminoethyl) benzene sulfonyl fluoride hydrochloride (AEBSF). These results also suggest that Fraction No. 10, adjacent to the 12.5 kDa peak of the marker in natto extract, may inactivate ADV by proteolysis. Our findings provide new avenues of research for the prevention of Aujeszky's disease.
Leveraging the strengths of citizen science and structured surveys to achieve scalable inference on population size
Authors: Stillman Andrew N. , Howell Paige E. , Zimmerman Guthrie S. , Bjerre Emily R. , Millsap Brian A. , Robinson Orin J. , Fink Daniel , Stuber Erica F. , Ruiz‐Gutierrez Viviana
Published: October 2023

Population size is a key metric for management and policy decisions, yet wildlife monitoring programmes are often limited by the spatial and temporal scope of surveys. In these cases, citizen science data may provide complementary information at higher resolution and greater extent.

We present a case study demonstrating how data from the eBird citizen science programme can be combined with regional monitoring efforts by the US Fish and Wildlife Service to produce high‐resolution estimates of golden eagle abundance. We developed a model that uses aerial survey data from the western United States to calibrate high‐resolution annual estimates of relative abundance from eBird. Using this model, we compared regional population size estimates based on the calibrated eBird information with those based on aerial survey data alone.

Population size estimates based on the calibrated eBird information had strong correspondence to estimates from aerial survey data in two out of four regions, and population trajectories based on the two approaches showed high correlations.

We demonstrate how the combination of citizen science data and targeted surveys can be used to (a) increase the spatial resolution of population size estimates, (b) extend the spatial extent of inference and (c) predict population size beyond the temporal period of surveys. Findings based on this case study can be used to refine policy metrics used by the US Fish and Wildlife Service and inform permitting regulations (e.g. mortality/harm associated with wind energy development).

Policy implications: Our results demonstrate the ability of citizen science data to complement targeted monitoring programmes and improve the efficacy of decision frameworks that require information on population size or trajectory. After validating citizen science data against survey‐based benchmarks, agencies can harness strengths of citizen science data to supplement information needs and increase the resolution and extent of population size predictions.
Gaze‐speech coordination during social interaction in Parkinson's disease
Authors: Hodgson Timothy L. , Hermens Frouke , Ezard Gemma
Published: October 2023

Background

Parkinson's disease (PD) can affect social interaction and communication as well as motor and cognitive processes. Speech is affected in PD, as is the control of voluntary eye movements which are thought to play an important role in ‘turn taking’ in conversation.

Aims

This study aimed to measure eye movements during spoken conversation in PD to assess whether differences in patterns of eye gaze are linked to disrupted turn taking and impaired communication efficiency.

Methods & Procedure

Eleven participants with mild PD and 14 controls completed a two‐player guessing game. During each 3 min game turn, one of the players had to guess the names of as many objects as possible based only on the other player's description. Eye movements were recorded simultaneously in both participants using mobile eye trackers along with speech onset and offset times.

Outcomes & Results

When people with PD played the role of describer, the other player guessed fewer objects compared to when controls described objects. When guessing objects, people with PD performed just as well as controls. Analysis of eye fixations showed that people with PD made longer periods of fixation on the other player's face relative to controls and a lower number of such ‘gaze on face’ periods.

Conclusions & Implications

A combination of oculomotor, cognitive and speech abnormalities may disrupt communication in PD. Better public awareness of oculomotor, speech and other deficits in the condition could improve social connectedness in people with Parkinson's.

WHAT THIS PAPER ADDS

What is already known on this subject?

Parkinson's disease is known to affect the control of voluntary eye movements. Direction of eye gaze is important in spoken conversation as a cue to turn‐taking, but no studies have examined whether eye movements are different during communication in people with Parkinson's.

What this paper adds to existing knowledge?

People with Parkinson's showed longer periods of eye fixation during conversations compared to controls. Delays and overlaps between speech turns were also affected in patients.

What are the clinical implications of this work?

Better knowledge of the effect of the disease on eye gaze control amongst clinicians may help improve communication and social connectedness for patients in the future.
Exemplary differences: ethnicity, mythic histories, and essentialism in Khovd, Mongolia
Authors: Ellis Joe
Published: October 2023

This article provides an ethnographic account of understandings of ‘ethnic’ difference in Khovd province, Mongolia. It attempts to use said material to challenge the terms of debate within the current concern with ‘essentialism’ in social theory. It is in agreement with constructivist‐inspired observations by anthropologists that so‐called ethnic groups in Mongolia exist partly as ideological ascriptions arising from historical and contemporary political interests. Yet there is an intellectual tension, which sees the anthropologist engaged in the politically important task of the de‐essentialization of identities, on behalf of people who claim said identities as their essence. This article neither accepts ethnic groups as somehow unproblematically real, nor positions such ideas purely as a target for deconstruction. Rather, it provides an account of times when moralized understandings of ethnic difference in the medium of mythic‐historical exemplars are mobilized and examines their impact on social life. It shows that certain forms of essentialism may contain affordances that amplify social and political possibilities, rather than violently close them down. The final provocation is that anthropologists and social theorists would do better to examine the precise nature and effects of particular instances of essentialism rather than instinctively demolish them in general.
Trial by Cognitive Ordeal: Irrational Approaches to the Opinions of Investigators, Trial Integrity and Proof
Authors: Edmond Gary
Published: October 2023

This article suggests that lawyers and judges may not understand the effects of their rules and procedures upon the production of evidence and its evaluation in criminal trials and appeals. Focusing on case studies involving the opinions of police officers and other investigators, as well as experts, it explains how applicable rules, procedures and safeguards did not produce, and appear incapable of producing, the effects claimed by courts. Drawing on scientific research – on cognitive bias and voice and face comparison – the article demonstrates how judges have enabled investigators to express their biased and speculative opinions, treated investigators’ opinions as expert (or special) without evidence of validity or ability, and encouraged jurors to make their own voice and face comparisons in the highly suggestive context of the accusatorial criminal trial. Courts have placed great reliance on trial safeguards, such as cross‐examination and judicial directions, trivialised the difficulty of voice and image comparisons and overlooked the likelihood that juror interpretations will be incurably biased, and that the same evidence will be unwittingly counted more than once.
Urban flight: A short‐term phenomenon or long‐term trend?
Authors: Kim Dongshin , Raiha Davin , Seo Youngme , Freybote Julia
Published: October 2023

We investigate whether the urban flight from more to less dense locations identified by previous housing studies for the early COVID period is a temporary, pandemic‐induced phenomenon, or long‐term trend. We focus on the period of 2017–2022, 14,961 single‐family home transactions from Southwestern Ontario, and three housing market metrics. Our results for sales price in the early pandemic periods are in line with previous studies. However, our results for sales price in the last pandemic phase (2022), marketing time, and visit activity suggest that the urban flight was a temporary phenomenon characteristic of the early COVID phases.
Fatty acids derived from oviposition systems guide female black soldier flies (Hermetia illucens) toward egg deposition sites
Authors: Klüber Patrick , Arous Emna , Jerschow Jeanny , Fraatz Marco , Bakonyi Daniel , Rühl Martin , Zorn Holger
Published: October 2023

The black soldier fly, Hermetia illucens, comes with big promises for industrial purposes since its larvae feed polyphagously on a broad spectrum of organic substrates. However, research focusing on adult flies is scarce, which is inconsistent with their reproductive relevance within the rearing cycle. In particular, directed oviposition is a challenge in artificial systems. Currently, decomposing organic matter is commonly used as oviposition substrate, which has extensive potential for improvement in view of the lack of standardization and the risk of microbial contamination. Here, we identified three fatty acids and one fatty acid methyl ester derived from the surface of old oviposition sites and targeted to elucidate their effect on preference behavior and oviposition site selection using Y‐olfactometry and prepared oviposition sites, respectively. Exposure to tetradecanoic acid attracted gravid females and stimulated oviposition most strongly, while decanoic acid demonstrated a repulsive effect. Females kept in mixed‐sex populations were attracted by tetradecanoic acid, resulting in a higher egg mass found in the compound box (3.0–11.4 fold), a ≥ 2.3 fold reduction of nonspecifically deposited eggs, and the highest total egg mass. Conversely, decanoic and dodecanoic acid caused females to lay a greater proportion of eggs nonspecifically outside both boxes. Our data suggest that fatty acids, especially tetradecanoic acid, are important cues for oviposition site selection in black soldier flies. In order to achieve a directed oviposition behavior, the role of further short‐ and long‐chain fatty acids as attractants should be examined.
The preventive effects of inulin, cellulose, and their mixture on colorectal cancer liver metastasis in mice by regulating gut microbiota
Authors: Wang Chuhui , Lan Tongtong , Chen Zhao , Wang Xiaowen , Han Yisa , Yang Ning , Xu Zhen , Li Hui , Tao Meng , Song Yang
Published: October 2023

Many studies have found that dietary fiber can protect against colorectal cancer (CRC). Survival in CRC patients is significantly reduced due to metastasis. However, little is known regarding the impact of dietary fiber on the CRC metastasis. In this study, we analyzed the effects of inulin, cellulose, and their mixture on CRC metastasis in a murine orthotopic transplantation model. BALB/C male mice were divided into the normal control (NC) (AIN‐93 M diet), MOD (AIN‐93 M diet), INU (10% w/w inulin), CEL (10% w/w cellulose), and MIX (5% w/w inulin + 5% w/w cellulose) groups. Dietary fiber intake inhibited the weights of the orthotopic tumors, liver weights, and liver metastasis area (p < 0.05) and improved the survival rate of tumor‐bearing mice. Compared to the NC, the expression of β‐catenin and the epithelial marker E‐cadherin were lower, and that of mesenchymal markers, such as N‐cadherin, MMP‐9, and VEGF, were higher in the MOD group. All inulin, cellulose, and their mixture restored the gut microbiota diversity, and they, respectively, increased the relative abundance of Bifidobacteriales, Lactobacillus, and Lachnospiraceae. Inulin restored the levels of acetic acid, propionic acid, isobutyric acid, and butyric acid. Spearman correlation analysis results showed that there was a positive correlation between five genera and six short‐chain fatty acids (SCFAs) (adjusted p < 0.05). In conclusion, all inulin, cellulose, and their mixture have inhibitory effects on CRC metastasis, which may be achieved by the regulation of gut microbiota, the production of SCFAs, and the inhibition of the epithelial‐to‐mesenchymal transition process. Among the three dietary fiber intervention groups, the inhibitory effect of inulin is more significant.
Association between inflammatory bowel disease, nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and chronic kidney disease: A propensity score‐matched analysis of US nationwide inpatient sample 2016–2018
Authors: Zheng Wei Wei , Zhou Quan , Xue Meng Li , Yu Xing , Chen Jin Tong , Ao Lu , Wang Cheng Dang
Published: October 2023

Objectives

The incidence and prevalence of inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), mainly including ulcerative colitis (UC) and Crohn's disease (CD), are increasing globally. We aimed to evaluate the potential association between IBD and nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, and chronic kidney disease (CKD).

Methods

Data of hospitalized adults ≥20 years of age were extracted from the U.S. National Inpatient Sample (NIS) during 2016–2018. Patients with UC, CD, or CKD were identified through the International Classification of Diseases, Tenth Revision (ICD‐10) codes. Propensity score matching (PSM) analysis (1:1) was conducted to balance the characteristics between groups. Logistic regression analyses were performed to determine the relationships between UC or CD and kidney conditions.

Results

Three cohorts were included for analysis after PSM analysis. Cohorts 1, 2 and 3 contained 235 262 subjects (117 631 with CD or without IBD), 140 856 subjects (70 428 with UC or without IBD), and 139 098 subjects (69 549 with CD or UC), respectively. Multivariate analysis revealed that compared to non‐IBD individuals, CD patients were significantly associated with greater odds for nephrolithiasis (adjusted odds ratio [aOR] 2.25, 95% confidence interval [CI] 2.08–2.43), tubulointerstitial nephritis (aOR 1.31, 95% CI 1.24–1.38), CKD at any stage (aOR 1.28, 95% CI 1.24–1.32), and moderate‐to‐severe CKD (aOR 1.22, 95% CI 1.17–1.26), while UC was associated with a higher rate of nephrolithiasis. Compared to UC, CD was associated with higher odds for all such kidney conditions.

Conclusions

Patients with CD are more likely to have nephrolithiasis, tubulointerstitial nephritis, CKD at any stage, and moderate‐to‐severe CKD compared to non‐IBD individuals.
Self‐assembled silk fibroin cross‐linked with genipin supplements microbial carbonate precipitation in building material
Authors: Li Jiayu , Achal Varenyam
Published: October 2023

The process of microbially induced carbonate precipitation (MICP) is known to effectively improve engineering properties of building materials and so does silk fibroin (SF). Thus, in this study, an attempt was taken to see the improvement in sand, that is, basic building material coupled with MICP and SF. Urease producing Bacillus megaterium was utilized for MICP in Nutri‐Calci medium. To improve the strength of SF itself in bacterial solution, it was cross‐linked with genipin at the optimized concentration of 3.12 mg/mL. The Fourier transform infrared (FTIR) spectra confirmed the crosslinking of SF with genipin in bacterial solution. In order to understand how such cross‐linking can improve engineering properties, sand moulds of 50 mm3 dimension were prepared that resulted in 35% and 55% more compressive strength than the one prepared with bacterial solution with SF and bacterial solution only, respectively with higher calcite content in former one. The FTIR, SEM, x‐ray powder diffraction spectrometry and x‐ray photoelectron spectroscopy analyses confirmed higher biomineral precipitation in bacterial solution coupled with genipin cross‐linked SF. As the process of MICP is proven to replace cement partially from concrete without negatively influence mechanical properties, SF cross‐linked with genipin can provide additional significance in developing low‐carbon cement‐based composites.
The differences in code status conversation approaches reported by emergency medicine and palliative care clinicians: A mixed‐method study
Authors: Ouchi Kei , Prachanukool Thidathit , Aaronson Emily L. , Lakin Joshua R. , Higuchi Masaya , Liu Shan W. , Kennedy Maura , Revette Anna C. , Chary Anita N. , Kaithamattam Jenson , Lee Brandon , Neville Thanh H. , Hasdianda Mohammad A. , Sudore Rebecca , Schonberg Mara A. , Tulsky James A. , Block Susan D.
Published: October 2023

Background

During acute health deterioration, emergency medicine and palliative care clinicians routinely discuss code status (e.g., shared decision making about mechanical ventilation) with seriously ill patients. Little is known about their approaches. We sought to elucidate how code status conversations are conducted by emergency medicine and palliative care clinicians and why their approaches are different.

Methods

We conducted a sequential‐explanatory, mixed‐method study in three large academic medical centers in the Northeastern United States. Attending physicians and advanced practice providers working in emergency medicine and palliative care were eligible. Among the survey respondents, we purposefully sampled the participants for follow‐up interviews. We collected clinicians’ self‐reported approaches in code status conversations and their rationales. A survey with a 5‐point Likert scale (“very unlikely” to “very likely”) was used to assess the likelihood of asking about medical procedures (procedure based) and patients’ values (value based) during code status conversations, followed by semistructured interviews.

Results

Among 272 clinicians approached, 206 completed the survey (a 76% response rate). The reported approaches differed greatly (e.g., 91% of palliative care clinicians reported asking about a patient's acceptable quality of life compared to 59% of emergency medicine clinicians). Of the 206 respondents, 118 (57%) agreed to subsequent interviews; our final number of semistructured interviews included seven emergency medicine clinicians and nine palliative care clinicians. The palliative care clinicians stated that the value‐based questions offer insight into patients’ goals, which is necessary for formulating a recommendation. In contrast, emergency medicine clinicians stated that while value‐based questions are useful, they are vague and necessitate extended discussions, which are inappropriate during emergencies.

Conclusions

Emergency medicine and palliative care clinicians reported conducting code status conversations differently. The rationales may be shaped by their clinical practices and experiences.