bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Genetic requirements for uropathogenic
E. coli
proliferation in the bladder cell infection cycle
Authors: Mediati Daniel G. , Blair Tamika A. , Costas Ariana , Monahan Leigh G. , Söderström Bill , Charles Ian G. , Duggin Iain G.
Published: September 2024

Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC) requires an adaptable physiology to survive the wide range of environments experienced in the host, including gut and urinary tract surfaces. To identify UPEC genes required during intracellular infection, we developed a transposon-directed insertion-site sequencing approach for cellular infection models and searched for genes in a library of ~20,000 UTI89 transposon-insertion mutants that are specifically required at the distinct stages of infection of cultured bladder epithelial cells. Some of the bacterial functional requirements apparent in host bladder cell growth overlapped with those for M9-glycerol, notably nutrient utilization, polysaccharide and macromolecule precursor biosynthesis, and cell envelope stress tolerance. Two genes implicated in the intracellular bladder cell infection stage were confirmed through independent gene deletion studies:
neuC
(sialic acid capsule biosynthesis) and
hisF
(histidine biosynthesis). Distinct sets of UPEC genes were also implicated in bacterial dispersal, where UPEC erupts from bladder cells in highly filamentous or motile forms upon exposure to human urine, and during recovery from infection in a rich medium. We confirm that the
dedD
gene linked to septal peptidoglycan remodeling is required during UPEC dispersal from human bladder cells and may help stabilize cell division or the cell wall during envelope stress created by host cells. Our findings support a view that the host intracellular environment and infection cycle are multi-nutrient limited and create stress that demands an array of biosynthetic, cell envelope integrity, and biofilm-related functions of UPEC.

IMPORTANCE

Urinary tract infections (UTIs) are one of the most frequent infections worldwide. Uropathogenic
Escherichia coli
(UPEC), which accounts for ~80% of UTIs, must rapidly adapt to highly variable host environments, such as the gut, bladder sub-surface, and urine. In this study, we searched for UPEC genes required for bacterial growth and survival throughout the cellular infection cycle. Genes required for
de novo
synthesis of biomolecules and cell envelope integrity appeared to be important, and other genes were also implicated in bacterial dispersal and recovery from infection of cultured bladder cells. With further studies of individual gene function, their potential as therapeutic targets may be realized. This study expands knowledge of the UTI cycle and establishes an approach to genome-wide functional analyses of stage-resolved microbial infections.
Diversity and impact of single-stranded RNA viruses in Czech
Heterobasidion
populations
Authors: Dálya László Benedek , Černý Martin , de la Peña Marcos , Poimala Anna , Vainio Eeva J. , Hantula Jarkko , Botella Leticia
Published: September 2024

Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato
comprises some of the most devastating pathogens of conifers. Exploring virocontrol as a potential strategy to mitigate economic losses caused by these fungi holds promise for the future. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive screening for viruses in 98
H
.
annosum
s.l. specimens from different regions of Czechia aiming to identify viruses inducing hypovirulence. Initial examination for dsRNA presence was followed by RNA-seq analyses using pooled RNA libraries constructed from
H. annosum
and
Heterobasidion parviporum
, with diverse bioinformatic pipelines employed for virus discovery. Our study uncovered 25 distinct ssRNA viruses, including two ourmia-like viruses, one mitovirus, one fusarivirus, one tobamo-like virus, one cogu-like virus, one bisegmented narna-like virus and one segment of another narna-like virus, and 17 ambi-like viruses, for which hairpin and hammerhead ribozymes were detected. Coinfections of up to 10 viruses were observed in six
Heterobasidion
isolates, whereas another six harbored a single virus. Seventy-three percent of the isolates analyzed by RNA-seq were virus-free. These findings show that the virome of
Heterobasidion
populations in Czechia is highly diverse and differs from that in the boreal region. We further investigated the host effects of certain identified viruses through comparisons of the mycelial growth rate and proteomic analyses and found that certain tested viruses caused growth reductions of up to 22% and significant alterations in the host proteome profile. Their intraspecific transmission rates ranged from 0% to 33%. Further studies are needed to fully understand the biocontrol potential of these viruses
in planta
.

IMPORTANCE

Heterobasidion annosum sensu lato
is a major pathogen causing significant damage to conifer forests, resulting in substantial economic losses. This study is significant as it explores the potential of using viruses (virocontrol) to combat these fungal pathogens. By identifying and characterizing a diverse array of viruses in
H. annosum
populations from Czechia, the research opens new avenues for biocontrol strategies. The discovery of 25 distinct ssRNA viruses, some of which reduce fungal growth and alter proteome profiles, suggests that these viruses could be harnessed to mitigate the impact of
Heterobasidion
. Understanding the interactions between these viruses and their fungal hosts is crucial for developing effective, environmentally friendly methods to protect conifer forests and maintain ecosystem health. This study lays the groundwork for future research on the application of mycoviruses in forest disease management.
Evolution of ceftazidime–avibactam resistance driven by mutations in double-copy
bla
KPC-2
to
bla
KPC-189
during treatment of ST11 carbapenem-resistant
Klebsiella pneumoniae
Authors: Zhang Xiaofan , Xie Yinrong , Zhang Ying , Lei Tailong , Zhou Longjie , Yao Jiayao , Liu Lin , Liu Haiyang , He Jintao , Yu Yunsong , Tu Yuexing , Li Xi
Published: September 2024

Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) variants can contribute to resistance to ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA) in
Klebsiella pneumoniae
(KP). However, two-copy KPC variant-mediated resistance to CZA has rarely been reported to date. Here, we aimed to clarify the evolutionary trajectory of CZA resistance driven by mutations in double-copy
bla
KPC-2
to
bla
KPC-189
carried by the tandem core structure (IS
Kpn6-bla
KPC
-IS
Kpn27-tnpR
-IS
26
) during treatment of ST11 carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
(CRKP). The CZA-resistant KP strain carried double-copy
bla
KPC-189
, a variant with alanine–threonine and aspartate–tyrosine substitutions at Ambler amino acid positions 172 (A172T) and 179 (D179Y) of
bla
KPC-2
. Clone experiments confirmed that, compared with that of the wild-type
bla
KPC-2
clone strain, the minimum inhibitory concentration of CZA increased 16-fold in the
bla
KPC-189
-mutant strain. Furthermore, protein structure analysis revealed the A172T and D179Y mutations of
bla
KPC-189
can have a direct effect on the binding affinity of CAZ and AVI for KPC. Sequence comparison revealed that
bla
KPC-189
was mutated in a double-copy format upon CZA exposure, which was carried by the IS
26
-mediated tandem core structure IS
Kpn27-bla
KPC
-IS
Kpn6
. This tandem core structure apparently evolves
in vivo
during infection, although not by self-transferring, and multiple IS
Kpn27-bla
KPC
-IS
Kpn6
copy numbers could mediate transferable CZA resistance upon mobilization. In addition, compared with the wild-type
bla
KPC-2
gene, the
bla
KPC-189
gene had no fitness cost. In summary, our study highlighted the emergence of CZA-resistant
bla
KPC-189
variants in the ST11 clone and the presence of a double-copy
bla
KPC-189
in the IncFII-type plasmid, which is carried by a tandem core structure (IS
26-
IS
Kpn6-bla
KPC-189
-IS
Kpn27-tnpR
-IS
26
).

IMPORTANCE

To date, ceftazidime–avibactam (CZA) resistance caused by double-copy
Klebsiella pneumoniae
carbapenemase (KPC) variants has not been elucidated. The multicopy forms of carbapenem resistance genes carried by the same plasmid are relatively rare in most carbapenem-resistant
Enterobacteriaceae
. In this study, we elucidate the evolutionary trajectory of CZA resistance in ST11 carbapenem-resistant
K. pneumoniae
harboring a double-copy blaKPC and provide new insights into the mechanisms of acquired resistance to CZA.
Histone deacetylase HDAC3 regulates ergosterol production for oxidative stress tolerance in the entomopathogenic and endophytic fungus
Metarhizium robertsii
Authors: Liu Shuxing , Wang Xinmiao , Tang Xingyuan , Fang Weiguo
Published: September 2024

Oxidative stress is encountered by fungi in almost all niches, resulting in fungal degeneration or even death. Fungal tolerance to oxidative stress has been extensively studied, but the current understanding of the mechanisms regulating oxidative stress tolerance in fungi remains limited. The entomopathogenic and endophytic fungus
Metarhizium robertsii
encounters oxidative stress when it infects insects and develops a symbiotic relationship with plants, and we found that host reactive oxygen species (ROSs) greatly limited fungal growth in both insects and plants. We identified a histone H3 deacetylase (HDAC3) that catalyzed the deacetylation of lysine 56 of histone H3. Deleting
Hdac3
significantly reduced the tolerance of
M. robertsii
to oxidative stress from insects and plants, thereby decreasing fungal ability to colonize the insect hemocoel and plant roots. HDAC3 achieved this by regulating the expression of three genes in the ergosterol biosynthesis pathway, which includes the lanosterol synthase gene
Las1
. The deletion of
Hdac3
or
Las1
reduced the ergosterol content and impaired cell membrane integrity. This resulted in an increase in ROS accumulation in fungal cells that were thus more sensitive to oxidative stress. We further showed that HDAC3 regulated the expression of the three ergosterol biosynthesis genes in an indirect manner. Our work significantly advances insights into the epigenetic regulation of oxidative stress tolerance and the interactions between
M. robertsii
and its plant and insect hosts.

IMPORTANCE

Oxidative stress is a common challenge encountered by fungi that have evolved sophisticated mechanisms underlying tolerance to this stress. Although fungal tolerance to oxidative stress has been extensively investigated, the current understanding of the mechanisms for fungi to regulate oxidative stress tolerance remains limited. In the model entomopathogenic and plant symbiotic fungus
Metarhizium robertsii
, we found that the histone H3 deacetylase HDAC3 regulates the production of ergosterol, an essential cell membrane component. This maintains the cell membrane integrity to resist the oxidative stress derived from the insect and plant hosts for successful infection of insects and development of symbiotic associates with plants. Our work provides significant insights into the regulation of oxidative stress tolerance in
M. robertsii
and its interactions with insects and plants.
First detection of VEB-1 extended-spectrum β-lactamase-producing
Escherichia coli
clinical isolate in Japan
Authors: Shindou Junko , Hayashi Wataru , Kayama Shizuo , Yu Liansheng , Zuo Hui , Sugawara Yo , Sugai Motoyuki
Published: September 2024

The extended-spectrum β-lactamase (ESBL) gene,
bla
VEB-1
, was identified for the first time in an
Escherichia coli
clinical isolate, JARB-RN-0061, from blood cultures in a Japanese general hospital in 2021. The isolate exhibited high resistance to broad-spectrum cephalosporins, including ceftazidime (MIC >128 mg/L) and cefepime (MIC = 16 mg/L).
bla
VEB-1
was identified during whole-genome sequencing and characterization of the isolate. JARB-RN-0061 belonged to the B2-O2:K1:H7-ST95-
fimH
41 lineage and was classified as presumptive extraintestinal pathogenic
E. coli
(ExPEC) and uropathogenic
E. coli
(UPEC). Moreover, the strain harbored multiple virulence genes on the chromosome. The Col156/IncFIB(AP001918)/IncFII(29)-type plasmid (114,216 bp), with
clbB
and
tcpC
genes involved in bacteremia, was unique to the
fimH
41 subclone. The
bla
VEB-1
gene was located on a non-typeable and non-conjugative plasmid, pJARB-RN-0061_VEB-1 (17,093 bp). It was embedded in the class 1 integron In1883-like, with multidrug resistance gene cassettes for
aacA4
,
aadB
,
cmlA5
,
qnrVC4
, and
dfrA14
. Notably, comparative analysis of the complete sequence of plasmid pJARB-RN-0061_VEB-1 revealed that it was highly homologous to the
bla
VEB-1
-harboring plasmid, pMS2H7VEB-1 (100% coverage and 99.99% identity), except for the Tn3 family transposon (4,931 bp) and the plasmid pRHBSTW-00138_5 (97% coverage and 100% identity) harbored by
Klebsiella quasipneumoniae
subsp.
similipneumoniae
strains from hospital sewage in Japan and wastewater influent in the United Kingdom, respectively. The emergence of a human pathogenic
E. coli
clinical isolate with the
bla
VEB-1
-carrying plasmid in the B2-ST95 worldwide pandemic lineage, characterized by the virulence potential of ExPEC or UPEC but a low prevalence of antimicrobial resistance, would raise public health concerns.

IMPORTANCE

ESBLs are plasmid-mediated enzymes that confer resistance to clinically significant antimicrobial agents, such as broad-spectrum cephalosporins. Recently, the rapid spread of CTX-M-type ESBL-producing
E. coli
has become a global issue, including in Japan, where ESBL production in human pathogenic
E. coli
, such as the ExPEC and UPEC lineages, which typically harbor several virulence genes, is a severe public health concern. To date, VEB (Vietnamese extended-spectrum β-lactamase) producers have been found only in hospital wastewater and rivers in Japan. Thus, we describe the first detection of a very rare human-derived blaVEB-1 gene in the
E. coli
B2-ST95 pandemic clonal lineage that is highly associated with ExPEC and UPEC in a Japanese clinical setting. Furthermore, we characterized the genomic features of plasmids harboring the class 1 integron-borne blaVEB-1. Our findings highlight the significance of closely monitoring ESBL-producing
E. coli
isolates to prevent the potential dissemination of this resistance determinant in Japan.
Ultrahigh-pressure to high-pressure eclogite in Cuban ophiolitic mélange reveals proto-Caribbean spreading ridge subduction
Authors: Rui Hui-Chao , Duan Wen-Yong , Yang Jing-Sui , Maresch Walter V. , Schertl Hans-Peter , Cai Peng-Jie , Llanes-Castro Angélica I. , He Hong-Ping
Published: September 2024

Proto-Caribbean oceanic crust produced during ocean-floor spreading between diverging North and South American plates was subsequently subducted beneath the Caribbean plate. However, the timing and spatial configuration of proto-Caribbean spreading ridge subduction remain subjects of debate. High-pressure (HP) basaltic metamorphic rocks, representing relics of the subducted proto-Caribbean oceanic crust, commonly occur in Cuban ophiolitic mélanges. In this study, an integrated set of petrological, geochemical, and geochronological data is presented for eclogite from the Las Villas mélange, central Cuba. The typical geochemical signature of mid-ocean-ridge basalt (MORB) indicates that the protolith of eclogite formed at the proto-Caribbean spreading ridge. Based on pressure-temperature (P-T) estimates obtained by pseudosection analysis as well as Zr-in-rutile and Ti-in-zircon thermometry, the following P-T paths for representative samples can be derived: a prograde path from 24–25 kbar and 510–520 °C to peak conditions of 29–31 kbar and 525–575 °C, and a complex retrograde path initially following almost isothermal exhumation to 25–27 kbar, followed by near-isobaric heating to 610–640 °C before final exhumation. This is the first documentation of prograde oceanic ultrahigh-pressure (UHP) metamorphism in the northern Caribbean area. U-Pb dating of magmatic zircon with steep heavy rare earth element (HREE) patterns and negative Eu anomalies yielded a protolith age of 126.3 ± 0.7 Ma. In contrast, metamorphic zircon with flat HREE patterns and without an Eu anomaly yielded a weighted mean age of 118.6 ± 1.6 Ma. The short time interval of >8 m.y. between MORB magmatism and UHP metamorphism suggests that the oceanic crust was subducted to great depth (~100 km) shortly after generation in an oceanic ridge, which provides robust evidence for subduction of the proto-Caribbean spreading ridge. Furthermore, this work demonstrates high potential to trace ancient spreading ridge subduction by joint petrological, geochemical, and geochronological study of oceanic eclogite.
Vascular mimicry and mosaic vessels in parathyroid tumours: a new diagnostic approach?
Authors: Falleni Monica , Dal Lago Matteo , Tosi Delfina , Ghilardi Giorgio , De Pasquale Loredana , Saibene Alberto M , Felisati Giovanni , Cozzolino Mario , Gianelli Umberto
Published: September 2024

Aims

Evaluation of ‘alternative’ vascularisation in human cancer is considered an important prognostic parameter; the 2022 WHO classification of parathyroid tumours despite progresses in clinical triaging of patients strongly emphasises new histopathological parameters to properly stratify these lesions. ‘Alternative’ and ‘classic’ vessels were here investigated for the first time in parathyroid tumours for their possible histopathological and clinical relevance during progression.

Methods

Using a double CD31/PAS staining, microvessel density (MVD, ‘classic’ CD31+ vessels), mosaic vessel density (MoVD, ‘alternative’ CD31+/−vessels) and vessel mimicry density (VMD, ‘alternative’ CD31−/PAS+ vessels) were evaluated in 4 normal parathyroid glands (N), 50 Adenomas (A), 35 Atypical Tumours (AT) and 10 Carcinomas (K).

Results

Compared with N, MVD significantly increased in A (p=0.012) and decreased in K (p=0.013) with vessel counts lower than in AT and A (p<0.001). MoVs and VMs, absent in normal tissue, were documented in non-benign parathyroid lesions (AT, K) (p<0.001), with MoVs and VMs most represented in AT and K, respectively (p<0.001), in peripheral growing areas. Vessel distribution was correlated to neoplastic progression (r=−0.541 MVD; r=+0.760 MoVD, r=+0.733 VMD), with MVD decrease in AT and K inversely related to MoVD and VMD increase (r=−0.503 and r=−0.456).

Conclusions

‘Alternative’ vessel identification in parathyroid tumours is crucial because it: (1) explains the paradox of non-angiogenic tumours, consisting in a new bloody non-endothelial vessel network and (2) helps pathologists to unmask worrisome lesions. Furthermore, detection of alternative vascular systems in human tumours might explain the limited success of antiangiogenic therapies and encourage new oncological studies.
Managing low-level HIV viraemia in antiretroviral therapy: a systematic review and meta-analysis
Authors: Zaçe Drieda , Rindi Lorenzo Vittorio , Compagno Mirko , Colagrossi Luna , Santoro Maria Mercedes , Andreoni Massimo , Perno Carlo Federico , Sarmati Loredana
Published: September 2024

Objective

HIV-1 management has advanced significantly with antiretroviral therapy (ART), yet challenges persist, including low-level HIV-1 viraemia (LLV). LLV presents a complex scenario, with varied definitions in the literature, reflecting uncertainties in its clinical interpretation. Questions arise regarding the underlying mechanisms of LLV, whether it signifies ongoing viral replication or stems from other factors. This study aimed to systematically review strategies for LLV management, providing insights into optimal clinical approaches.

Methods

MEDLINE, EMBASE, Cochrane Library, Web of Science and Canadian Agency for Drugs and Technologies in Health were searched for relevant literature on LLV management. We included studies published between 2004 and 2024, assessing interventions such as ART modification, genotypic resistance testing, adherence assessment, performing therapeutic drug monitoring, testing for chronic coinfections and assessing the viral reservoir via HIV DNA quantification. Meta-analyses were conducted where feasible.

Results

The systematic review identified 48 eligible records. Findings indicated limited evidence supporting the effectiveness of ART regimen modification in achieving virological suppression among individuals with LLV. However, studies assessing genotypic resistance testing revealed a significant association between resistance-associated mutations and virological suppression during LLV. Adherence to ART emerged as a critical determinant of treatment efficacy, with interventions showing promise in achieving viral suppression. The clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring in managing LLV remained inconclusive. Gaps in the literature were identified regarding follow-up scheduling, managing concurrent chronic infections and assessing inflammatory markers in LLV management.

Conclusions

While ART modification may not consistently achieve virological suppression, genotypic resistance testing may offer insights into treatment outcomes. Adherence to ART emerged as a crucial factor, necessitating tailored interventions. However, further research is needed to elucidate the clinical utility of therapeutic drug monitoring and other management strategies. The study highlights the importance of ongoing research to refine therapeutic approaches and improve patient outcomes in LLV management.

PROSPERO registration number

CRD42024511492.
Development of a stock-specific management procedure for snow crab fishery in the Sea of Japan using conditioned surplus production models in a data-moderate situation
Authors: Hamabe Kohei , Fujiwara Kunihiro , Ichinokawa Momoko
Published: September 2024

A management procedure (MP) automatically calculates an acceptable biological catch from input data, and its performance is quantitatively evaluated by closed-loop simulations of population dynamics with their uncertainties (operating models). In snow crab in the Sea of Japan, an MP based on survey biomass estimates was adopted by stakeholders, rather than a generic MP recommended for data-moderate Japanese stocks. This was done without quantifying its performance owing to data and resource limitations. This study evaluated the performance of the existing MPs and modified the generic MP through closed-loop simulations with state–space surplus production models (SSPMs) conditioned with actual data. The survey-based MP generally worked well to achieve sustainable catch and biomass but tended to be sensitive to the bias in biomass estimates. The modified MP can be more robust to the bias than the survey-based MP with higher catches than the generic MP. This study demonstrates that, although continuing efforts of collecting composition data are inevitable, SSPM could be used as the conditioned operating models even in data-limited situations to sufficiently represent the stock status and its uncertainty.
Study of dielectric measurements of Bi4Ti3O12/polystyrene composites as electrode materials for supercapacitors
Authors: Yadav Dinesh Kumar , Jakhar Narendra , Mishra Jitendra Kumar , Jain Sushil Kumar , Yadav Anju , Tripathi Balram
Published: September 2024

Eco-friendly, nontoxic and high-energy storage materials are very important for flexible electrode materials. Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text] lead-free, perovskite phase may prove suitable as filler in composites for electrode materials because of its large spontaneous polarization. We have synthesized Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text]/polystyrene (BTO/PS) composites and carried out their structural, morphological and bonding studies with the help of X-ray diffraction (XRD), scanning electron microscopy (SEM) and Fourier transform infrared spectroscopy (FTIR), in that order. Dielectric measurements in the broad frequency range of synthesized composites determined by Impedance analyzer. We observed that the dielectric constant of composites increased with filler concentration and decreased with applied field frequency. Bi4Ti3[Formula: see text]/PS composites can be good electrode materials.
DFT study of the brownmillerite-type strontium-based oxygen-deficient perovskites SrTMO2.5 (TM = Mn, Fe, Co and Cu)
Authors: Khan Muhammad Suliman , Mehmood Shahid , Ali Zahid
Published: September 2024

DFT studies are performed to investigate the crystal structure and geometry, electronic and magnetic properties of brownmillerite-type strontium-based oxygen-deficient perovskites [Formula: see text] (TM = Mn, Fe, Co and Cu) in orthorhombic phase. The comparison of the calculated lattice parameters shows consistency with the experiments, and all these perovskites are thermodynamically stable as revealed by cohesive energy. The spin-dependent calculations of the electronic band profiles demonstrate the metallic behavior of all these deficient perovskites. The increase in electrical resistivity and electronic thermal conductivities with temperature also confirms the metallic behavior of these compounds. The optimized ground state energies in different magnetic phases and post-DFT treatment confirm that [Formula: see text] and [Formula: see text] are stable in C-type AFM, [Formula: see text] is in G-type AFM and [Formula: see text] in A-type AFM phase, respectively. The high specific heat of these deficient perovskites makes them good candidates for high-temperature technology. Based on the above physical properties, it is expected that these deficient perovskites are potential candidates for spintronics and magnetic storage devices.
A Special Corner Element for Solving Heat Conduction Problems
Authors: Qiu Wenkai , Wang Keyong , Li Peichao
Published: September 2024

A hybrid Trefftz finite element method is proposed for solving heat conduction problems in a domain with concave or convex angles. In this method, two temperature fields are independently assumed, one of which is the intra-element field defined inside the element and the other is the frame field defined on the boundary. The corner effects embed in the truncated complete solutions which are used to construct the internal interpolation function for approximating the intra-element field. It is able to accurately analyze the problems with particular corners. The key characteristics lie in the finite element formulation which is evaluated along the element boundary. Compared with the conventional FEM, the corner element does not lose any accuracy by using a small number of elements. Numerical examples demonstrate that the proposed method exhibits low sensitivity to mesh distortion. Compared with ABAQUS, the proposed method also exhibits higher accuracy and a faster convergence rate.
THE INFLUENCES OF PERSONALITY AND INNOVATIVE CULTURE ON EMPLOYEES’ INNOVATIVE PERFORMANCE IN THE CHINESE MANUFACTURING INDUSTRY: THE MEDIATING EFFECT OF PSYCHOLOGICAL SAFETY
Authors: OU SHUHUI , LIU LI , GAN JEN LING
Published: September 2024

This study investigated employees’ innovative performance in a highly competitive and rapidly changing workplace. Specifically, employees’ innovative performance is correlated to the Big Five personality and innovative culture through the mediation effect of psychological safety in the Chinese manufacturing industry. Time-lagged data were collected from 285 employees and analysed on both SmartPLS and SPSS software. Resultantly, the innovative culture and the Big Five personality of extraversion, agreeableness, neuroticism, conscientiousness, and openness individually impacted employees’ innovative performance. Furthermore, psychological safety significantly mediated the relationships between agreeableness and innovative performance, between neuroticism and innovative performance, and between openness and innovative performance. Organisations should consider employees’ personalities when fostering workplace creativity and adjusting training and development. Recognising employees’ personality types may also assist employees in unique performance, fulfilling career goals, and uncovering growth potential.
Design and Investigation of Junction-less TFET (JL-TFET) for the Realization of Logic Gates
Authors: Shah Bhushit , Singh Prabhat , Raman Ashish , Singh Nagendra Pratap
Published: September 2024

The demand for energy-efficient electronics has propelled the exploration of alternative transistor technologies, among which Tunnel Field-Effect Transistors (TFETs) have garnered significant interest as compared to MOSFETs, and our main focus is on getting a power-efficient device. This paper presents a comprehensive study on the utilization of TFETs for logic gate implementation, emphasizing their potential to revolutionize low-power digital circuits. TFETs offer a steep Sub-threshold Swing (SS) and can operate at lower supply voltages compared to conventional MOSFETs, making them ideal candidates for power-sensitive applications. We have designed and implemented the logic gates, including OR, NAND, AND and NOR gates, using a JL-TFET device. JL-TFET is implemented for OR and NAND functions by biasing two gates separately, and using the Gate-Source (Lov) overlapping method, JL-TFET is implemented for AND and NOR functions. These implementations illustrate that the distinct properties of TFETs, including ambipolar conduction and the tunneling dependency on Gate-Source/Drain overlaps, can be effectively leveraged to achieve compact logic functions.
Future-Oriented Learning in Workplaces and Company Training Committees
Authors: Bound Helen
Published: September 2024

The world of work is dynamic and emergent, demanding different approaches to learning in, through, and for work. The main focus of this paper is to address the question of how we can think differently about learning in the workplace and supporting learning. Supporting learning is a pedagogical act in its broadest sense. Given the landscape of dynamic change in which individuals and firms work, pedagogies and ways of thinking about pedagogy need to be future-oriented. We need to develop people and firms that are able to thrive in constantly changing circumstances, to be able to work with emergence. In this paper, I put forward a framework for Future-Oriented Pedagogies based on mixed methods research work completed at the end of 2023, at the Institute for Adult Learning. Specifically, I consider how the National Trades Union Congress Company Training Committees could use the Future-Oriented Pedagogies framework to ensure the quality of offerings for formal learning in workplaces and how the Future-Oriented Pedagogies framework can be used to enhance a culture of learning that goes beyond formal arrangements for learning (training, undertaking online courses or sessions, and on-the-job training).
GIIE: A Graph-based News Recommendation Model with Intrinsic Interest Enhancement
Authors: Hei Yiming , Liu Jianwei , Wang Shicheng , Wang Lihong , Yu Zhengtao , Yang Yong
Published: September 2024

News recommendation aims to offer potentially interesting news items to a specific user, guided by his historical browsing behaviors. Existing methods failed to effectively address the knowledge sparsity issue that the user may have sparse behaviors and the news may own sparse features. To address the problem, we propose a graph-based news recommendation model with intrinsic interest enhancement, named
GIIE
, leveraging intrinsic interests and neighbor information to enhance the representation of sparse users and news. Concretely, to fully take advantage of the intrinsic interests, we design an interest encoder based on an interest-type graph with a learnable structure, and explore the interest embeddings from news types. Then we inject the obtained interest embeddings into news, and represent the user by aggregating the clicked news under the same interest and across different interests sequentially. These interests can build a bridge between users, so that users with sparse behaviors can implicitly share knowledge with other users, thereby enhancing their representation. To properly introduce the neighbor knowledge, we propose a graph-based neighbor enhancing mechanism. First, we design a news relation graph and a user relation graph in encoders. Then based on these graphs, we take the attention module to aggregate additional knowledge from neighbors, enhancing sparse news and user representations. To avoid feature ambiguity, we adopt a way to represent the current item (user and news) and its neighbors separately, and then do adaptive aggregation. We evaluate GIIE on the public news recommendation dataset MIND-Large and MIND-Small. Experimental results show that our model can solve the knowledge sparse problem, and outperforms current state-of-the-art models in four indicators.
A Survey of Mix-based Data Augmentation: Taxonomy, Methods, Applications, and Explainability
Authors: Cao Chengtai , Zhou Fan , Dai Yurou , Wang Jianping , Zhang Kunpeng
Published: September 2024

Data augmentation (DA) is indispensable in modern machine learning and deep neural networks. The basic idea of DA is to construct new training data to improve the model’s generalization by adding slightly disturbed versions of existing data or synthesizing new data. This survey comprehensively reviews a crucial subset of DA techniques, namely Mix-based Data Augmentation (MixDA), which generates novel samples by combining multiple examples. In contrast to traditional DA approaches that operate on single samples or entire datasets, MixDA stands out due to its effectiveness, simplicity, computational efficiency, theoretical foundation, and broad applicability. We begin by introducing a novel taxonomy that categorizes MixDA into Mixup-based, Cutmix-based, and mixture approaches based on a hierarchical perspective of the data mixing operation. Subsequently, we provide an in-depth review of various MixDA techniques, focusing on their underlying motivations. Owing to its versatility, MixDA has penetrated a wide range of applications, which we also thoroughly investigate in this survey. Moreover, we delve into the underlying mechanisms of MixDA’s effectiveness by examining its impact on model generalization and calibration while providing insights into the model’s behavior by analyzing the inherent properties of MixDA. Finally, we recapitulate the critical findings and fundamental challenges of current MixDA studies while outlining the potential directions for future works. Different from previous related surveys that focus on DA approaches in specific domains (e.g., computer vision and natural language processing) or only review a limited subset of MixDA studies, we are the first to provide a systematical survey of MixDA, covering its taxonomy, methodology, application, and explainability. Furthermore, we provide promising directions for researchers interested in this exciting area.
The Electrochemistry of Nitro Compounds from a Bibliometric Approach
Authors: La-Scalea Mauro Aquiles , Chiavassa Luísa Donatto , Brito Charles de Lima
Published: September 2024

The heterocyclic and aromatic nitro compounds are industrially and commercially important chemicals, used in drugs, explosives, pesticides, and dyes. Despite their economic importance, the advent of these chemicals also brought serious human health and environmental problems due to their toxic characteristics as contaminants and pollutants. The nitro group is catalyzed in vivo by nitroreductases promoting a six-electron reduction to form sequentially the nitro radical anion, nitroso-, N-hydroxylamino and amino-functional groups. These reactions can be electrochemically reproduced, involving the development of analytical methods and electrochemical sensors, degradation and removal of organic compounds in effluents, corrosion studies, and studies of action mechanism of drugs on DNA bases. In this sense, a bibliometric analysis has been performed based on the Web of Science Core Collection in conjunction with VOSviewer software for generating network visualizations. This research covered the database until 2023, describing the main research areas and the annual publication trends, the collaborations and contributions among countries and research institutions, in addition to identifying the most cited articles, hotspots, and the analysis of evolution and relevance of keywords. This investigation made it possible to recognize the main research focuses and what is under development, providing a comprehensive overview on electrochemistry of nitro compounds.
Analysis of Early-Stage Behavior and Multi-Parameter Early Warning Algorithm Research for Overcharge Thermal Runaway of Energy Storage LiFePO4 Battery Packs
Authors: Wang Canxiong , Du Jianhua , Ye Xianghu , Wei Senrong , Zheng Suzhen , He Xingfeng , Wang Jiabin , Xiong Leji , Ou Yingjie , Tu Ran
Published: September 2024

Overcharging of lithium-ion batteries may lead to severe thermal runaway (TR) incidents, resulting in significant economic losses and safety hazards. Therefore, it is crucial to research early warning methods for TR behavior in overcharged lithium batteries. This study initially conducted overcharging experiments on LiFePO4 battery packs under different initial charging states and charging rates, analyzing variations in temperature, voltage, and inter-group pressure during overcharging. The TR process was divided into three stages: non-overcharged, early, and middle. Based on this, temperature change rate, pressure change rate, and voltage were extracted as input feature parameters, and the Mean Shift algorithm was employed for stage identification and classification of overcharging experiments on LiFePO4 battery packs. According to experimental results, the algorithm achieved an accuracy of over 96% in stage identification and classification of TR in overcharged lithium batteries, accurately determining the current stage of TR and providing a reliable and effective solution for preventing TR in overcharged lithium batteries.
Design and Simulation of a High-Performance Tunneling Field Effect Transistor-Based Biosensor Using a Heterojunction Electron-Hole Bilayer
Authors: Bahrami Hossein , Vadizadeh Mahdi , Borjlu Shaban Rezaei
Published: September 2024

This study introduces a novel dielectrically-modulated heterojunction electron-hole bilayer tunnel field-effect transistor (DM-HEHBTFET) for bio-sensing applications. The device features a Ga0.85Sb0.15As/Ga0.8In0.2As heterojunction and a p-type pocket in the channel, achieving a remarkably low threshold voltage (VT) of 20 mV, an average subthreshold slope (SS) of 5.7 mV/dec, and a leakage current (IOFF) as low as 5 × 10−11 A/μm. The staggered bandgap in the heterostructures enhances electric field control, enabling lower gate voltage operation. Furthermore, the strategically positioned nanogap cavities in non-overlapping regions of the top and bottom gates effectively mitigate gate control issues over the channel, ensuring improved device performance. A modified design, the modified DM-HEHBTFET, is also proposed, featuring source and drain regions engineered with Ga0.85Sb0.15As/Ga0.8In0.2As heterojunctions. This design mitigates leakage current and improves the average subthreshold slope (SS). For biomolecules with a dielectric constant of 12, the modified biosensor exhibits a drain current sensitivity (Scurrent) of 2.6e4, average SS = 2.7 mV/dec, and IOFF = 1e-12 A/μm. The device’s performance is assessed by examining steric hindrance and band tailing effects. The modified biosensor outperforms recent DM-TFET biosensors, making it a promising candidate for low-power, high-switching speed bio-sensing.
On the Machinability and Formation of Gas Film Thickness in ECDM of Silica based Pyrex Glass
Authors: Kumar Rakesh , Singh Ravi Pratap , Singh Satnam
Published: September 2024

Electrochemical discharge machining (ECDM) stands out as a preferred method for microfluidic channel fabrication due to its ability to produce required shapes with the least thermal damage along with close tolerances and dimensional accuracy. Recently, there has been significant progress made in the domain of ECDM for parametric analysis, focusing on discharge regime characteristics, but precise control of the hydrodynamic regime remains a challenge. With this view, the present study has been targeted on analyzing the effect of various auxiliary electrodes on the formation of gas film thickness and discharge energy during the fabrication of microchannels using ECDM on silica-based Pyrex glass under varying conditions. Experiments were conducted on an ECDM setup to achieve near damage-free edges of microchannels on the surface silica-based Pyrex glass. Results show the effect of various auxiliary electrodes, applied voltage, and electrolyte concentration on gas film thickness, spark energy, rate of material removal (MRR), and width of overcut (WOC). The optimum parametric level of applied voltage, electrolyte concentration, and auxiliary electrode were 68 V, 35 wt%, and A2 auxiliary electrode, respectively and the best response values were 0.4134 mg min−1, and 40 μm, respectively, for MRR and WOC. In addition, tool wear rate, heat affected zone, and surface morphology of fabricated microchannels was examined using scanning electron microscopy, optical microscope, and energy-dispersive X-ray spectroscopy.
Assessing Invasive Carp in the Neosho River‐Grand Lake System of Kansas and Oklahoma
Authors: Rasset Ethan J. , Kim Hae H. , Neely Ben C. , Phelps Quinton E. , Whitledge Greg W.
Published: September 2024

Invasive carp populations have purported a negative influence on native biota at high densities. These invasive fishes (i.e., bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis, silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix, grass carp Ctenopharyngodon idella, and black carp Mylopharyngodon piceus) each exhibit similar life history characteristics. In the Neosho River‐Grand Lake system (i.e., John Redmond Reservoir, Kansas, downstream to Grand Lake O’ the Cherokees, Oklahoma), only bighead carp and grass carp have been documented to date. The distribution and status of bighead carp throughout this system were previously unknown due to limited historical data and low abundance. While few bighead carp are encountered within this system, grass carp exhibited relatively higher abundance a were used to provide insights into bighead carp. Captures of both species were used to inform management and suppression efforts. Sampling locations (n = 18) were established for environmental DNA analyses throughout the Neosho River‐Grand Lake system. We sampled 13 sites using a suite of gears for standardized targeted fish sampling. All invasive carp were measured, sexed, and otoliths removed for ageing and microchemical analysis. Grass carp were processed for ploidy testing following the U.S. Fish and Wildlife Service protocol. Environmental DNA analyses generated positive results for the eDNA presence of bighead carp and silver carp. Otolith age estimates suggest fish are long lived and supported by multiple year classes. Additionally, a sampled two‐year‐old grass carp demonstrates spawning and recruitment potential. Otolith microchemistry suggests largescale broad movement patterns. Ploidy testing confirmed the first documented evidence of diploid grass carp in the Neosho River‐Grand Lake system and revealed reproductive viability. Our results may provide future insights into locations for containment, removal, and/or eradication.
Availability and Price Variations of Commonly Used Cardiovascular Medicines at Community and Hospital Pharmacies in Gondar Town, Northwest Ethiopia
Authors: Limenh Liknaw Workie , Tessema Tewodros Ayalew , Sendekie Ashenafi Kibret , Simegn Wudneh , Ayenew Wondim , Mitku Melese Legesse , Anagaw Yeniewa Kerie , Kasahun Asmamaw Emagn
Published: September 2024

Background: Access to cardiovascular medications is severely hampered by their unavailability and high cost, particularly for the poorest households in developing nations. The availability and price range of cardiovascular medications are significantly limited in both hospital and community pharmacies.

Objectives: The aim of this study is to assess the availability and price variations of commonly used cardiovascular medicines in hospital pharmacies in Gondar Town, northwest Ethiopia.

Methods: From July 13 to August 6, 2022, a mixed cross‐sectional and simulated client survey was carried out at two hospital and 13 community pharmacies in Gondar Town. The analysis and data entry were performed using SPSS Version 25 and EpiData Version 4.2, respectively. The availability and pricing variations of the medications are given as percentages. The significance was examined using paired t tests.

Results: On average, community retail pharmacies offered 33.22% of CVD drugs. Aspirin (81 mg), amlodipine (5 mg), atorvastatin (20 mg), and hydrochlorothiazide (25 mg) were the most readily available drugs in community pharmacies. Overall, 28.00% of the hospital pharmacies had available CVD medicines during the course of our analysis. The average cost for the 25 CVD medications in hospital pharmacies was $0.699, with a standard deviation (SD) of 1.513, which was less than the cost at community pharmacies ($2.741 with an SD of 6.015) (p = 0.045).

Conclusion: CVD medications were more available in community pharmacies than in hospital pharmacies, although there were fewer CVD medications available than recommended by the WHO/HAI (80%) in both hospital and community pharmacies. There was a statistically significant difference between the two prices. Compared to that at hospital pharmacies, the mean price at community pharmacies was greater.
Relay‐Assisted Aerial Communication over a Single‐Shadowed Communication Channel
Authors: Mehdi Haider , Hussain Zakir , Ahmed Syed Areeb , Saleem Syed Muhammad Atif
Published: September 2024

This paper discusses amplify‐and‐forward relay‐assisted air‐to‐ground unmanned aerial vehicle communication over a recently proposed single‐shadowing‐based composite fading scenario. Included are the results derived from the Fluctuating Beckmann faded co‐channel interference at the receiver node and relay. Maximal ratio combining based diversity scheme is considered. The power splitting at the receiver for energy harvesting has been assimilated. The utilization of characteristic function leads to the derivation of outage, success probabilities, and capacity with outage expressions. These expressions represent the impact of path‐loss, aerial vehicle‐relay, relay‐receiver distances, and channel characteristics of desired and interference signals. Utilizing these expressions, numerical outcomes are presented and evaluated.
Antiulcer Effect of Genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. as Investigated on Experimental Animals
Authors: Bakr El-Sayed H. , Al-Ghamdi Amal , Al-Amri Reham , Al-Otaibi Muna , Al-Saad Nada , Al-Matrafi Ghala , Kishmira Ziad T. , Azzeh Firas , Almuraee Areej A.
Published: September 2024

Peptic ulcer disease (PUD) occurs when open sores, or ulcers, form in the stomach or first part of the small intestine caused by bacterial infection (H. pylori) and/or nonsteroidal anti‐inflammatory drug (NSAID) use. This study was conducted to evaluate the antiulcer effect of some plants including genus Symphytum L., and Portulaca oleracea L. on aspirin‐induced acute gastric ulcer in rats. Sixteen male albino rats (200–210 g b.wt. each) were divided into 4 groups, 4 rats each, one of them left as the control −ve group while the other 3 groups orally administered with aspirin at a dose of 200 mg/kg b.wt., for gastric ulcer induction, one of them left as control +ve and the rest 2 groups were orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. at a dose of 100 mg/kg b.wt., each. for seven consecutive days. Body weight gain (BWG), the length of gastric ulcer, the volume of gastric juice, the total acidity of gastric juice, and blood sample were assessed. The results showed that orally administered with genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. significantly reduced the length of gastric ulcer, gastric juice volume, and total acidity of gastric juice, in addition to decreasing total cholesterol (TC), triglyceride (TG), aspartate aminotransferase (AST), alanine aminotransferase (ALT), alkaline phosphatase (ALP), RBC, WBC, HGB, and PLT. No significant changes were observed in the pH of gastric juice among treated groups. Moreover, in comparison to Portulaca oleracea L., genus Symphytum L. showed preferable results. Accordingly, genus Symphytum L. and Portulaca oleracea L. could be used as plants as curative agents against gastric ulcer in experimental rats.