bluuebunny/crossref_metadata_2025 huggingface dataset:
Symbolic Music and Algorithmic Composing
Authors: Höltgen Stefan
Published: June 2024

Stefan Höltgen delves into the archives with a study of representative BASIC computer game program codes produced by a growing band of computer programming hobbyists from the 1970s to the 1990s. In contrast to other studies of game sound and music that typically provide aesthetic or functional categories, Höltgen’s approach allows him to devise a distinct typography based on the sound-code connection. It is only by focusing on this connection, Höltgen argues, that the influence of the game platform’s hardware and software specifications on the sounds’ aesthetics can be fully appreciated. Re-reading the mostly only printed game (sound) codes from books and magazines shows the rich history of this type of “software storage,” and why it is important to properly preserve “paperware” for game history research.
Auditory Hallucinations and Altered States of Consciousness in Video Games
Authors: Weinel Jonathan
Published: June 2024

Jonathan Weinel explores aural aspects of the increasingly common representation in video games of an altered state of consciousness (ASC) such as intoxication, hallucination, and psychosis. He first outlines how ASCs, produced, for instance, by drug intake, form and shape our subjective experience before suggesting how such experiences can be designed for in video games. Weinel uses his own ASC audiovisual projects as a means to discuss the concept of “avatar-centered subjectivity”: where the audiovisual design of first-person perspective (and thus first-person auditive) video games is based on a concept of the subjective perceptual experience of a player avatar. In this context, audio representing ASCs is disrupted in order to reflect the distorted aural experiences of the avatar.
Selling Play through Music and Sound
Authors: Deaville James
Published: June 2024

James Deaville’s chapter is an analysis of the sound, and especially music, of promotional material for the first video games and home consoles through to the Crash of 1983. Included for assessment are a number of Atari adverts but also adverts for the Magnavox Odyssey—the console’s lack of audio being compensated for by the music of the commercials. In this and other cases, it was the music of the audiovisual promotional material, Deaville argues, that was tasked with selling the product, but Deaville also shows that the soundtrack of the advertising kept pace with developments in the home-computer industry, stressing the opportunities for fun rather than work and featuring an increasing amount of narration, memorable jingles, and an emphasis on whole family enjoyment.
Hearing the Renaissance in Video Games
Authors: Cook Karen M.
Published: June 2024

Karen M. Cook uncovers the hidden Renaissance in video game music. It is Cook’s contention that games set during, and thematically connected to, the European Renaissance (approximately 1400–1600) often make use of medieval and Baroque musical tropes. Such tropes might include a Gothic organ or harpsichord, counterpoint, drones, plainchant, and parallel fifths—all long fixed in the popular imagination as symbols of the distant historical or fantastical past. Moving past such tropes, Cook discusses musical referents more closely linked to the Renaissance itself, such as Renaissance musical works, recorders, lutes, and historically accurate styles. In so doing, Cook notes that such musical gestures solidify select historical people, events, and places (Leonardo da Vinci, the Reformation, Tudor England) as emblematic of the Renaissance writ large.
Simulating Sounds of Spectators
Authors: Graakjær Nicolai Jørgensgaard
Published: June 2024

Nicolai Jørgensgaard Graakjær’s chapter deals with spectator sounds in sports video games, focusing on Electronic Arts’ FIFA series and, specifically, FIFA 19. Graakjær shows how boundaries between the televised broadcast of football (i.e., soccer) matches and their video game versions have become increasingly porous—spectator sound effects traverse domains, from broadcast to game, and from game to broadcast, and reality becomes a construct in both mediums. Throughout, issues of audience and player expectation, perception, authenticity, realism, and reality in relation to the use of spectator sound effects lead Graakjær to conclude, referencing Baudrillard’s concept of simulacra, that the resultant soundscapes embody “the generation by models of a real without origin or reality.”
Clinical Evaluation of Primary Suturing of Normal-Diameter Common Bile Ducts After Microincision of Cystic Duct Confluence for Stone Removal
Authors: Liu Luqing , Zhou Ti , Cao Yunxing , Dong Jinlong , Lei Jiangping , Shen Binjie
Published: June 2024

Purpose:

In patients with gallstones complicated by common bile duct (CBD) stones, both normal and dilated common bile ducts have been reported. The goal of this study was to investigate the efficacy and safety of primary suturing after microincision of the cystic duct confluence in treating these patients.

Method:

Between July 2018 and December 2021, 104 patients were admitted to the Department of General Surgery at Guannan County People’s Hospital with gallstone complications, and their records were reviewed retrospectively. The patients were divided into 2 groups: normal CBD group (n=70, CBD diameter: 6.0 to 8.0 mm) and dilated CBD group (n=34, CBD diameter: >8.0 mm). In these 104 patients, there were 75 cases of CBD stones with acute cholangitis, 12 cases of CBD stones without cholangitis, and 17 cases of mild biliary pancreatitis with CBD stones (including 2 cases of biliary pancreatitis with cholangitis). Among all patients, there were 37 cases with jaundice, 67 cases without jaundice, and 5 cases of emergency surgery. All patients underwent microincision of the cystic duct confluence followed by primary suturing. Both groups were compared on a variety of general and perioperative indicators.

Result:

All patients underwent laparoscopy combined with choledochoscopy; there were no cases of biliary tract injury or conversion to laparotomy. There was no statistically significant difference in operation duration (P=0.286), blood loss (P=0.06), length of stay (P=0.821), and time to drainage tube removal (P=0.096) between the 2 groups.

Conclusion:

Microincision of the cystic duct confluence, followed by a primary suture, is a safe and effective treatment for CBD stones in patients with a normal CBD diameter, as determined by preoperative imaging.
Estimating geographical spread of Streptococcus pneumoniae within Israel using genomic data
Authors: Cheng Hsueh-Chien Raymond , Belman Sophie , Salje Henrik , Dagan Ron , Bentley Stephen D.
Published: June 2024

Understanding how pathogens spread across geographical space is fundamental for control measures such as vaccination. Streptococcus pneumoniae (the pneumococcus) is a respiratory bacterium responsible for a large proportion of infectious disease morbidity and mortality globally. Even in the post-vaccination era, the rates of invasive pneumococcal disease (IPD) remain stable in most countries, including Israel. To understand the geographical spread of the pneumococcus in Israel, we analysed 1174 pneumococcal genomes from patients with IPD across multiple regions. We included the evolutionary distance between pairs of isolates inferred using whole-genome data within a relative risk (RR) ratio framework to capture the geographical structure of S. pneumoniae. While we could not find geographical structure at the overall lineage level, the extra granularity provided by whole-genome sequence data showed that it takes approximately 5 years for invasive pneumococcal isolates to become fully mixed across the country.

This article contains data hosted by Microreact.
Investigating the impact of fear of missing out on inaction inertia in live streaming purchase intention
Authors: Kao Chang-Yi , Huang Ching
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The main purpose of the study is to investigate the influence of live streaming participation on purchase intention, specifically focusing on how fear of missing out (FOMO) impacts live streaming purchase intention and its subsequent effect on inaction inertia. Additionally, the study aims to ex-amine the indirect influence of FOMO on the relationship between live streaming participation and purchase intention.

Design/methodology/approach

The research employs SEM to assess the properties of measures. The investigation consists of four main constructs: live streaming shopping participation, fear of missing out, live streaming purchase intention, and inaction inertia. Live streaming shopping participation is further divided into two dimensions: live streaming immersion and live streaming social presence, with the latter encompassing social presence and telepresence.

Findings

The study reveals the significant role of FOMO in livestream shopping. Viewers' fear of missing out on information and products presented in livestreams results in heightened attention to these streams and an elevated willingness to purchase. This finding emphasizes the impact of FOMO emotions in driving consumer action and purchasing intent, particularly in situations of product scarcity.

Originality/value

The study uniquely explores FOMO as a factor disrupting consumer inertia, influencing decisive purchasing. It shows that FOMO enhances perceived value of products, altering consumer behavior in live streaming and e-commerce, thus providing a novel perspective on FOMO’s extended impact.
Influence of supplier development on supplier satisfaction: a mediating role of buyer–supplier relationship
Authors: Hudnurkar Manoj , Ambekar Suhas Suresh , Bhattacharya Sonali , Venkatesh V.G. , Shi Yangyan
Published: June 2024

Purpose

The study aims to understand the influence of supplier development (SD) activities on supplier satisfaction through the lens of social capital theory (SCT) and to understand the mediating role of the buyer–supplier relationship (BSR) in improving supplier satisfaction (SS).

Design/methodology/approach

The research is based on survey of 110 key informants belonging to 50 medium to small supplier companies in the Indian automotive sector. We employed the PLS variance-based modelling technique for the data analysis.

Findings

The investigation resulted in a comprehensive framework for SD activities influencing SS. Further findings recognize a positive influence of SD activities such as payment terms and BSR, which are components of structural social capital on the SS. SD activities such as quality management and delivery, which are indicators of relational capital, affect SS through the mediation of BSR.

Originality/value

The study confirms the role of BSR in SS. The deliberations can help the managers of buyer and supplier firms and researchers to classify and strategize SD activities to improve performance and BSR to become preferred customers through SS.
Effects of artificial intelligence on university libraries: an SLR of cite score and IF journals’ articles from 2018 to 2023
Authors: Shahzad Khurram , Khan Shakeel Ahmad , Iqbal Abid
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to identify the effects of artificial intelligence (AI) on university libraries and to reveal challenges associated with the adoption of AI-powered applications in libraries.

Design/methodology/approach

A systematic literature review (SLR) was applied to address the study’s objectives. The 25 most relevant seminal studies published in Scopus- and Web of Science-indexed journals were selected to conduct the study.

Findings

Findings revealed that AI has strong positive effects on university libraries. These effects included efficiency and promotion of library products, innovative library services, alignment of library services with the fourth industrial revolution (4IR), collection management and user services and transformation of library systems. Results also manifested that skills and knowledge barriers, financial and resource constraints and resistance to change created challenges to adopt AI-based services in university libraries.

Originality/value

This study has added valuable literature to the existing body of knowledge by conducting SLR on the basis of 25 most relevant research articles published in cite score and impact factor journals. It has provided practical implications by offering recommendations to adopt AI in university libraries. The study is a benchmark for policymakers, AI applications developers, higher education bodies, government representatives, university administration and library leadership to devise effective strategies and methods for the efficient adoption of AI in libraries. The study has also provided a framework to adopt AI applications in library settings.
Banking on trust: exploring the relationship between Federal Reserve directors and financial institutions
Authors: Cooper Elizabeth
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This study aims to analyze the risk profile of banks whose managers sit on Federal Reserve district bank boards in 2023. In particular, to analyze the impact tha Federal Reserve bank directors have on their own banks.

Design/methodology/approach

Use a matched sample approach to perform univariate analysis and multiple regression methodology to study whether banks whose managers sit on Federal Reserve Bank boards differ in risk profile from banks whose managers do not sit on Federal Reserve district boards.

Findings

There is limited evidence that banks managed by Fed directors have different capital ratios and leverage ratios relative to non-Fed director banks. There does appear to be a slight difference in the growth of Held-to-Maturity (HTM) Securities between the two samples. Specifically, banks managed by a Fed director saw their HTM portfolio grow over the study period, while banks managed by non-Fed directors reduced their HTM securities. Overall, the results suggest that bank directors on Federal Reserve district boards do so with no apparent detriment to the banks that they manage.

Research limitations/implications

Results of this study suggest that stakeholder director relationships are not associated with higher risk-taking at director banks. This study is unique in that, rather than looking at how director ties might influence the firm that they are on the board of, the focus here is how the firm (the Fed district, in this case) might influence director affiliations. Limitations include a small sample size (70 banks, including the matched sample), and data over a short time horizon. Additional measures of risk can also be analyzed in future research.

Practical implications

While there has been much speculation in the industry and in the press regarding the conflict of interest involving bank directors on Fed district boards, this research suggests there is little evidence of any risk differential involving these directors and their specialties to the Fed.

Originality/value

This study involves a unique approach to corporate governance analysis, whereby any conflict of interest that might exist between directors and the firm is studied from an alternate angle – in particular, whether the association with a regulator’s board impacts the director firm’s risk. Furthermore, with the recent events in the banking industry involving the collapse of several banks, including Silicon Valley, the notion that bank management participating on the boards of directors of their own regulator seemed a worthwhile question as to whether this diminished the safety and soundness of the banks that they run.
Summoning food at the push of a button: the interplay of religiosity, involvement and commitment in post-adoption behaviors
Authors: Elgammal Islam , Ravichandran Swathi , Osakwe Christian Nedu , Cheah Jun-Hwa
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to examine desirable post-adoption outcomes related to food delivery apps using the involvement-commitment model (ICM) and the boundary of (Islamic) religiosity, which is an important facet of communities in many parts of the world today. Importantly, the study provides an in-depth understanding of the boundary role of religiosity in the links between involvement, commitment, resistance to negative information and advocacy intention in relation to food delivery app use.

Design/methodology/approach

Data collected from 498 respondents in Saudi Arabia was used to test the research hypothesized model.

Findings

The results from the partial least squares structural equation modeling technique lend credence to past research calling for the contextualization of theories, especially since this paper find religiosity to be an important boundary condition to the ICM in relation to food delivery apps in an Arab nation.

Originality/value

This paper focuses specifically on the ICM and the boundary of (Islamic) religiosity. The cardinal contribution of this study, therefore, lies in the contextualization of ICM within the Arab world concerning post-adoption behavior related to food delivery apps. To the best of the authors’ knowledge, this is likely the first study to do so in the marketing, hospitality and technology-based literatures.
Does personal innovativeness and personal anxiety matter? The predictors of continuance use intention of an e-wallet system
Authors: Tian Yang , Chan Tak Jie , Liew Tze Wei , Chen Ming Hui , Liu Huan Na
Published: June 2024

Purpose

Electronic wallets (e-wallet) systems have revolutionized transactional activities, prompting individuals to adopt digital payment methods. This study investigates the determinants of the continuance intention of the e-wallet system Touch 'n Go in Malaysia. We propose a framework integrating the diffusion of innovation theory (DOI) and mental accounting theory, thereby assessing the impacts of product-related factors (convenience, compatibility, perceived risk and perceived compatibility) and the moderating role of personal-related factors [personal innovativeness (PI) and personal anxiety].

Design/methodology/approach

Data were collected involving 381 Malaysian Touch 'n Go users. The partial least squares structural equation modeling (PLS-SEM) was applied as a data analysis technique.

Findings

As demonstrated by the results, convenience serves as a facilitator, while perceived risk acts as an inhibitor, influencing the continuance intention of the application. Compatibility and perceived complexity are found to be insignificant antecedents. However, neither PI nor personal anxiety was found as moderators.

Originality/value

This research brings contributions to the electronic commerce literature by extending the understanding of the predictors and moderators of the continuance intention of Touch 'n Go users in Malaysia. We discuss how these findings implicate the two theories and offer insights for service providers and policymakers to promote the post-adoption intentions of Touch 'n Go.
The contributions of green people management to the development of organizational competencies for sustainability
Authors: Dalla Valle Carine , Alves Pacheco de Campos Simone , Klein Leander Luiz , Rizzetti Daniele Medianeira , da Silva Sotero Nathália
Published: June 2024

Purpose

This paper aims to analyze the impact of green people management (GPM) practices on the development of organizational competencies for sustainability in Brazilian publicly traded companies.

Design/methodology/approach

To validate the proposed model and hypotheses, a quantitative-descriptive methodological strategy was adopted, empirically investigated through a survey with publicly traded companies listed on B3 S.A. (Brazil, Stock and Exchange). The collected data were analyzed using exploratory factor analysis and multiple linear regression.

Findings

The results indicate that green ability has a positive impact on the development of strategic and systemic competence for sustainability. Green motivation has a negative impact on the development of systemic and economic competencies for sustainability. Green opportunity positively impacts the development of strategic, systemic and economic competencies for sustainability.

Practical implications

In terms of academic contributions, this study allowed for an empirical and comprehensive evaluation of variables related to GPM practices and their impact on the development of organizational competencies for sustainability, in line with the research agenda of the management field, focusing on outcomes for individuals (employees) and organizations.

Originality/value

The identification and possible implementation of certain GPM practices as a way to boost recruitment, selection, evaluation, rewards, recognition and involvement of individuals with green values and objectives, minimizing environmental and societal impacts, represent the main managerial and social contribution.
Driving mechanism for farmers to adopt agroecology for biodiversity conservation: Inspiration from tea management in a China National Park
Authors: He Siyuan , Wang Bojie
Published: June 2024

Conflicts arising from human activities and biodiversity value affect the conservation efficacy of protected areas. Resolving these conflicts requires conservation‐compatible livelihoods, such as through agroecology. Here, we built a comprehensive social–psychological framework to explore and understand farmers' intentions to adopt agroecological approaches in tea management in Wuyishan National Park, China.

We extended the theory of planned behaviour (TPB) by integrating household livelihood assets (LAs) as a material precondition for the social–psychological decision‐making process. We proposed geographical location (GL) and livelihood strategy (LS) as moderating factors for this agroecology intention. We collected 369 valid household samples through structured interviews. We then used partial least square‐structural equation (PLS‐SEM) modelling to explore the determinants that affect tea farmers' agroecological intentions.

Livelihood assets were a material foundation influencing the intention to adopt agroecology and were also mediated by three psychological constructs to take effect. Perceived behavioural control explained the largest proportion of the variance for intention and exerted the most significant mediation effects. Subjective norm was another vital independent predictor and exerted a positive influence on both perceived behavioural control and attitude. The direct and mediating impacts of attitude on the intention were weaker but showed that farmers' ecological rationality outweighed value rationality.

Livelihood strategies measured by operational scale and livelihood diversity were able to moderate farmers' psychology. Subjective norm had positively significant influence on perceived behavioural control and attitude, indicating that social support to farmers enhanced their feeling of control over adopting agroecology and that important referent groups as sources of information helped farmers' attitude formation. Perceived behavioural control positively and significantly influences farmers' attitudes as well.

Synthesis and applications. Our findings provide evidence of the necessity to optimise rural farmers' livelihood assets to enhance their confidence and control over agroecology. Resolving the conservation‐development dilemma in protected areas through agroecology should aim at comprehensive support that respects bioculture and improves farmers' ability. We suggest knowledge co‐production of traditional wisdom and modern technologies, reducing management costs and risks, strengthening park‐people communication and diversifying incentives to farmers with different livelihood strategies.
Testing the applicability of environmental DNA metabarcoding to landscape genetics
Authors: Nakajima Souta , Tsuri Kenji
Published: June 2024

Landscape genetics is a field dealing with local genetic differences and contributes to strategic conservation planning. Recently, environmental DNA (eDNA) metabarcoding has proven useful not only for detecting species but also for assessing genetic diversity and genetic structure on a large scale such as in phylogeography. However, it remains unclear whether eDNA analysis also has sufficient power to perform the landscape genetics, which focuses on a local scale. To reveal the applicability of eDNA to landscape genetics, we conducted an eDNA metabarcoding analysis of the mitochondrial DNA D‐loop region of the fluvial sculpin Cottus nozawae in the upper Sorachi River in Japan and compared the results with inferences based on traditional tissue‐based approaches by the same D‐loop region and genome‐wide SNP data. As a result, the spatial distribution of haplotypes was generally consistent between the eDNA‐ and tissue‐based approaches. In addition, the genetic differentiation statistics calculated using eDNA and tissue samples were highly correlated when comparing both in the D‐loop region. The removal of low‐frequency reads or the conversion to semi‐quantitative rankings of eDNA data did not alter the correlation of genetic diversity and differentiation statistics with tissue‐based approaches much. Finally, we confirmed that analyses using eDNA data can reveal patterns such as isolation‐by‐distance shown in previous studies on this species, indicating the applicability of eDNA to basic landscape genetics. Even though some limitations remain, eDNA may have great potential for conducting basic landscape genetics.
Diversity of marine bacteria growing on leachates from virgin and weathered plastic: Insights into potential degraders
Authors: Romera‐Castillo Cristina , Birnstiel Stéphanie , Sebastián Marta
Published: June 2024

Plastic debris in the ocean releases chemical compounds that can be toxic to marine fauna. It was recently found that some marine bacteria can degrade such leachates, but information on the diversity of these bacteria is mostly lacking. In this study, we analysed the bacterial diversity growing on leachates from new low‐density polyethylene (LDPE) and a mix of naturally weathered plastic, collected from beach sand. We used a combination of Catalysed Reporter Deposition‐Fluorescence In Situ Hybridization (CARD‐FISH), BioOrthogonal Non‐Canonical Amino acid Tagging (BONCAT), and 16S rRNA gene amplicon sequencing to analyse bacterioplankton‐groups specific activity responses and the identity of the responsive taxa to plastic leachates produced under irradiated and non‐irradiated conditions. We found that some generalist taxa responded to all leachates, most of them belonging to the Alteromonadales, Oceanospirillales, Nitrosococcales, Rhodobacterales, and Sphingomonadales orders. However, there were also non‐generalist taxa responding to specific irradiated and non‐irradiated leachates. Our results provide information about bacterial taxa that could be potentially used to degrade the chemicals released during plastic degradation into seawater contributing to its bioremediation.
Fifteen years of engine‐driven nickel–titanium reciprocating instruments, what do we know so far? An umbrella review
Authors: Immich Felipe , de Araújo Lucas Peixoto , da Gama Rafaella Rodrigues , da Rosa Wellington Luiz de Oliveira , Piva Evandro , Rossi‐Fedele Giampiero
Published: June 2024

Numerous systematic reviews (SRs) have produced conflicting findings on engine‐driven nickel–titanium reciprocating instruments (reciprocating instruments) since Yared's seminal study 15 years ago. This umbrella review analysed SRs examining the clinical and laboratory evidence regarding reciprocating instruments for root canal treatment. SRs that evaluated qualitatively and/or quantitatively the outcomes postoperative pain, oral health‐related quality of life (OHRQoL), shaping ability, debris extrusion, microbial load, endotoxins reduction, cyclic fatigue, file fracture, dentinal cracks and root canal filling removal were included. The AMSTAR 2 tool was used to evaluate SRs quality, while the ROBIS tool to assess risk of bias (RoB). Forty SRs were included. The SRs revealed predominantly ‘high’ RoB and ‘critically low’ quality. Most focused on technical outcomes, exhibiting significant methodological and statistical heterogeneity. Findings suggest comparable efficacy between reciprocating and rotary instruments. However, due to the scarcity of high‐quality evidence, future well‐designed studies and reviews considering core outcome measures are needed.
A single base pair duplication in the SLC33A1 gene is associated with fetal losses and neonatal lethality in Manech Tête Rousse dairy sheep
Authors: Ben Braiek Maxime , Szymczak Soline , André Céline , Bardou Philippe , Fidelle Francis , Granado‐Tajada Itsasne , Plisson‐Petit Florence , Sarry Julien , Woloszyn Florent , Moreno‐Romieux Carole , Fabre Stéphane
Published: June 2024

We recently discovered that the Manech Tête Rousse (MTR) deficient homozygous haplotype 2 (MTRDHH2) probably carries a recessive lethal mutation in sheep. In this study, we fine‐mapped this region through whole‐genome sequencing of five MTRDHH2 heterozygous carriers and 95 non‐carriers from various ovine breeds. We identified a single base pair duplication within the SLC33A1 gene, leading to a frameshift mutation and a premature stop codon (p.Arg246Alafs*3). SLC33A1 encodes a transmembrane transporter of acetyl‐coenzyme A that is crucial for cellular metabolism. To investigate the lethality of this mutation in homozygous MTR sheep, we performed at‐risk matings using artificial insemination (AI) between heterozygous SLC33A1 variant carriers (SLC33A1_dupG). Pregnancy was confirmed 15 days post‐AI using a blood test measuring interferon Tau‐stimulated MX1 gene expression. Ultrasonography between 45 and 60 days post‐AI revealed a 12% reduction in AI success compared with safe matings, indicating embryonic/fetal loss. This was supported by the MX1 differential expression test suggesting fetal losses between 15 and 60 days of gestation. We also observed a 34.7% pre‐weaning mortality rate in 49 lambs born from at‐risk matings. Homozygous SLC33A1_dupG lambs accounted for 47% of this mortality, with deaths occurring mostly within the first 5 days without visible clinical signs. Therefore, appropriate management of SLC33A1_dupG with an allele frequency of 0.04 in the MTR selection scheme would help increase overall fertility and lamb survival.
TIM‐3 Expression in Endometriosis
Authors: Lourenço Reis José , Martins Catarina , Ângelo‐Dias Miguel , Rosa Natacha Nurdine , Borrego Luís Miguel , Lima Jorge
Published: June 2024

Problem

Endometriosis is a prevalent chronic gynecological disease linked to immune dysfunction. The protein T‐cell immunoglobulin and mucin domain‐containing protein 3 (TIM‐3) plays a crucial role in immune system balance. Malfunction of TIM‐3 may result in excessive immune activation and inflammatory tissue damage. Given TIM‐3's established role in the development of cancer and autoimmune diseases, we decided to study its role in women suffering from endometriosis.

Study Method

We included a total of 62 female patients, all of whom had undergone laparoscopic surgery. Of these, 47 had endometriosis and 15 did not. During surgery, we collected peritoneal fluid (PF) and peripheral blood (PB) samples from every patient for analysis using flow cytometry. To mark the samples, we used a panel of monoclonal antibodies and examined TIM‐3 expression in their immune cells.

Results

Endometriosis patients in PB demonstrated a significantly lower percentage of CD56+ T cells with TIM‐3 expression. As endometriosis progressed through its stages, this expression lessened. This decrease was particularly notable in women with stage III/IV endometriosis. Additionally, both women diagnosed with intestinal endometriosis and those with recent endometriosis diagnoses showed a significantly reduced percentage of CD56+ T cells expressing TIM‐3.

Conclusions

Patients with endometriosis exhibit diminished TIM‐3 expression within circulating T cells. This warrants further investigation to discern whether it contributes to the progression of endometriosis, potentially through the amplification of autoreactive T cells and inflammation.
Rural physician–community engagement: Building, supporting and maintaining resilient health care strategies in three rural Canadian communities
Authors: Bland Alexandra , Meyer Anthon , Orrantia Eliseo , Hale Ilona , Grzybowski Stefan
Published: June 2024

Objective

To explore rural physician–community engagement through three case studies in order to understand the role that these relationships can play in increasing community‐level resilience to climate change and ecosystem disruption.

Design

Qualitative secondary case study analysis.

Setting

Three Canadian rural communities (BC n = 2, Ontario n = 1).

Participants

Rural family physicians and community members.

Methods

Twenty‐eight semi‐structured virtual interviews, conducted between November 2021 and February 2022, were included. Communities were selected from the larger data set based on data availability, level of physician engagement and demographic factors. Thematic analysis was completed in NVivo using deductive coding.

Main Findings

The presented qualitative case studies shed light on the strategies employed by physicians to establish and foster relationships within rural communities during challenging circumstances. In Community A, the implementation of a Primary Care Society (PCS) not only addressed physician shortages but also facilitated the development of strong continuity of care through proactive recruitment efforts. Community B showcased the adoption of an ‘intentional physician community’ model, emphasising collaboration and community consultation, resulting in effective communication of public health directives and innovative interdisciplinary action during the COVID‐19 pandemic. In Community C, engaged physicians and community advocates are aligned to contribute to the long‐term sustainability of the rural community, particularly in the context of food security and climate change vulnerabilities.

Conclusion

These findings underscore the significance of trust building, transparent communication and collaboration in addressing health care challenges in rural areas and emphasise the need to recognise and support physicians as agents of change.
“Creating shared value”: Time for a normative extension?
Authors: Schwartz Mark S.
Published: June 2024

Porter and Kramer's “creating shared value” (CSV) proposal has achieved significant penetration into both the academic and corporate communities. Building on other critiques of CSV, this paper assesses whether the CSV framework, notwithstanding its popularity, currently possesses an appropriate and adequate theoretical foundation to represent an overarching normative framework for the entire business and society field. The analysis does so by comparing CSV with a series of other dominant business and society approaches including corporate social responsibility, business ethics, stakeholder management, sustainability, and corporate citizenship. The analysis finds that while CSV does address the fundamental business and society normative requirement that business activities should contribute to sustainable net societal value, it currently fails to adequately incorporate the equally important notions of (i) appropriately balancing stakeholder interests with those of the corporation's shareholders, as well as (ii) demonstrating sufficient accountability (i.e., taking responsibility) by properly reporting on and addressing any negative impacts resulting from the firm's activities. The paper concludes with a revised and expanded restatement of the CSV concept, which attempts to take into account and address its current theoretical limitations in order to enhance its appeal as an overarching business and society normative paradigm.
Belantamab mafodotin concentration–QTc relationships in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma from the DREAMM‐1 and ‐2 studies
Authors: Jewell Roxanne C. , Mills Richard J. , Farrell Colm , Visser Sandra A. G.
Published: June 2024

Aims

To evaluate relationships between plasma concentrations of belantamab mafodotin, total monoclonal antibody, and its payload and changes in electrocardiogram (ECG) parameters in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma from the DREAMM‐1 and DREAMM‐2 studies.

Methods

Hysteresis plots and linear regression analyses of pharmacokinetic (PK) analyte (belantamab mafodotin, total monoclonal antibody, and cytotoxic cysteine‐maleimidocaproyl monomethyl auristatin F payload) concentrations vs. time‐matched ECG parameters (absolute/change from baseline in QT interval corrected for RR interval [QTc/ΔQTc] and QT interval corrected for heart rate by Fridericia's formula [QTcF/ΔQTcF]) were performed. Concentrations of PK analyte required for a 10‐ms increase in QTc in DREAMM‐2 were calculated via simulation, as was the probability of ΔQTc/ΔQTcF exceeding 10 ms for the expected Cmax of PK analyte concentrations associated with the doses (2.5 and 3.4 mg/kg) administered in DREAMM‐2.

Results

Time‐matched PK and ECG data from 290 patients (DREAMM‐1, n = 73; DREAMM‐2, n = 217) were analysed. Hysteresis plots did not clearly indicate any concentration‐related prolongation in QTc or QTcF; regression analyses indicated a very small rate of increase in ΔQTc and ΔQTcF with increasing concentrations of PK analytes. Calculated concentrations of PK analyte required for a 10‐ms prolongation in QTc were higher than the maximum analyte concentrations observed following treatment with belantamab mafodotin in DREAMM‐2; the probability that each dose would prolong ΔQTc and ΔQTcF by >10 ms was 0 and <0.25%, respectively.

Conclusion

This study of belantamab mafodotin and its payload did not provide evidence of QT prolongation in patients with relapsed or refractory multiple myeloma at clinically relevant doses.
Cooperative networking and information processing system of wireless communication UAV under the background of intelligent service
Authors: Chen Zhiyong
Published: June 2024

In order to solve the huge impact of the digital information age on many technical and industrial fields, a periodic fast search genetic algorithm is proposed. Based on the reconnaissance mission, this paper introduces the common allocation strategy into mission planning, and constructs the mathematical model of multi unmanned aerial vehicle (UAV) cooperative reconnaissance mission planning decision‐making. The proposed periodic fast search genetic algorithm is used to solve the problem of multi UAV cooperative reconnaissance mission planning. In 2020, the industry growth rate of global UAV technology expenditure was as high as 30.6%, and the compound growth rate of UAV in China reached 63.5%, which is enough to see the great prospect of the integrated development of UAV technology and different industries. The experiment evaluates the log verification module of UAV by comparing the two data structures of Merkle tree and linear, and the time and memory overhead of storing and verifying logs, which shows the effectiveness of the log verification scheme in this paper.
Diagnostic approach to hepatic vascular lesions: a paediatric perspective
Authors: Putra Juan , Kim Grace E
Published: June 2024

The pathological evaluation of hepatic vascular lesions in children requires special consideration. Inconsistent terminology, rarity of pathology specimens and overlapping pathological features between various lesions may pose a serious diagnostic challenge. In this review, we highlight the importance of using the International Society for the Study of Vascular Anomalies (ISSVA) classification scheme to characterise these lesions. Selected entities are discussed, including hepatic vascular tumours exclusively seen in the paediatric age group, hepatic infantile haemangioma and hepatic congenital haemangioma. Vascular malformations, with emphasis on their syndromic associations (venous malformation in blue rubber bleb naevus syndrome) and complications (hepatocellular nodules in Abernethy malformation) are also covered.
Exploring society‐to‐cells resilience among community members: A multidisciplinary study in outpatient clinics with diverse participant demographics
Authors: Ibrahim Ateya Megahed
Published: June 2024

Aim

This study explores and understands community members' resilience in outpatient clinics, considering various dimensions and types of resilience.

Design

A cross‐sectional study.

Methods

This study was conducted in Saudi outpatient clinics from September to December 2023 and included 384 individuals chosen through systematic random sampling. Various tools were used, such as Social Cohesion and Trust Scale, Community Resilience Assessment Tool, Community Assessment of Psychic Experiences, Environmental Resilience Assessment, Economic Resilience Index, Connor‐Davidson Resilience Scale, Brief Resilience Scale, Resilience Scale for Adults and Healthcare Resilience Index.

Results

Participants displayed a robust overall resilience level, as indicated by Total Connor–Davidson Resilience Scale score of 63.0 ± 9.0. Additionally, they demonstrated commendable levels of resilience in Total Brief Resilience Scale (56.04 ± 8.6), Resilience Scale for Adults (82.5 ± 7.2) and Healthcare Resilience Index (45.8 ± 5.5). These findings offer significant insights into psychological and emotional well‐being of the study population, highlighting their adaptive capacities and coping mechanisms across various life domains.

Conclusion

This study provides valuable insights into the multidimensional nature of resilience in outpatient settings. The cross‐sectional design sets the groundwork for future longitudinal investigations, highlighting the need for a holistic approach to understanding and promoting resilience.

Impact

This study holds immediate implications for participants and their communities. It underscores the adaptive capacities and coping mechanisms prevalent in the outpatient population by revealing commendable resilience levels. This insight enhances individuals' psychological and emotional well‐being, contributing positively to the overall resilience and communal strength. Additionally, this study sheds light on how resilience among community members in Saudi Arabia relates to international advanced nursing communities, providing insight into their work.

Patient or Public Contribution

Patients who have received outpatient services in the past 6 months were purposively chosen to ensure a diverse representation across age, gender and socio‐economic backgrounds in this study.
Longitudinal observation of tRNA‐derived fragments profiles in gestational diabetes mellitus and its diagnostic value
Authors: Hu Yifang , Liu Yan , Shen Jun , Yin Lihua , Hu Xiaoxia , Huang Xiaolei , Chen Yingyuan , Zhang Yisheng
Published: June 2024

Background

Gestational Diabetes Mellitus (GDM) poses significant risks to maternal and fetal health. Current diagnostic methods based on glucose tolerance tests have limitations for early detection. tRNA‐derived small RNAs (tsRNAs) have emerged as potential molecular regulators in various diseases, including metabolic disorders. However, the diagnostic value of tsRNAs in plasma for early GDM or postpartum remains unclear.

Methods

This longitudinal study profiled the expression of tsRNAs across different gestational stages and postpartum in women with GDM (n = 40) and healthy control gestational women (HCs, n = 40). High‐throughput small RNA sequencing identified candidate tsRNAs, which were then validated and correlated with clinical biochemical markers such as fasting blood glucose (FBG), HOMA‐IR, and GHbA1c.

Results

tRF‐1:32‐Val‐AAC‐1‐M6, tRF‐1:31‐Glu‐CTC‐1‐M2, and tRF‐1:30‐Gly‐CCC‐1‐M4 were consistently upregulated in the GDM group compared to HCs during the second trimester (p < 0.05). Only tRF‐1:31‐Glu‐CTC‐1‐M2 was highly expressed during the first trimester, and tRF‐1:30‐Gly‐CCC‐1‐M4 increased during postpartum. tRF‐1:31‐Glu‐CTC‐1‐M2 showed a significant correlation with FBG levels in the first trimester (R = 0.317, p = 0.047). The expression of tRF‐1:30‐Gly‐CCC‐1‐M4 was significantly correlated with HOMA‐IR (r = 0.65, p < 0.001) and GHBA1c (r = 0.33, p = 0.037) during postpartum. A joint diagnostic model incorporating tsRNAs expression and clinical markers demonstrated enhanced predictive power for GDM (ROC AUC = 0.768).

Conclusion

Our results revealed distinct expression patterns of specific tsRNAs in GDM, showcasing their correlation with key metabolic parameters. This underscores their promising role as biomarkers for early prediction and diagnosis of GDM. The integration of tRFs into a composite biomarker panel holds the potential to improve clinical outcomes by enabling personalized risk assessment and targeted interventions.
A preliminary biocontrol study: Isolation, characterization and genomic analysis of lytic phage TE against Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae
Authors: Selcuk Emine , Erdogdu Berna , Ozbek Tulin
Published: June 2024

Traditionally, apricot trees suffering from bacterial canker disease caused by Pseudomonas syringae pv. syringae were treated in orchards through the application of antibiotics or copper‐based drugs. However, considering the disadvantages of the long‐term use of chemical pesticides and antibiotics, there has been an increasing interest in phages, which have a lytic effect on bacteria, as biopesticides in recent years. In this study, we conducted a comprehensive examination of phage TE, isolated from wastewater in Turkey, from this perspective. Through scanning electron microscopy and phylogenetic analysis, we classified phage TE as belonging to the order Caudovirales and the family Strabovoridae. The phage TE exhibited a robust host lysis efficiency, with 280 infectious phage particles produced per bacterial cell in just 15 min. In experimental trials, treatment with phage TE resulted in an impressive 82% inhibition of bacterial canker disease in apricot leaves, highlighting its effectiveness as a phage therapy agent. Furthermore, phage TE exhibited long‐term stability when stored at 4°C without cryoprotectant and displayed tolerance to a wide temperature (−20°C to 50°C) and pH (2–12) range but its tolerance to UV‐C was very low. The genome and bioinformatics analyses of P. syringae phage TE have identified distinct protein level differences between other phages of the same species, despite sharing similarities at the nucleotide level. These findings suggest the potential use of phage TE as a biocontrol agent, offering a promising solution to control apricot bacterial canker.
Fusarium fujikuroi as a potential biocontrol agent of the parasitic weed Phelipanche aegyptiaca in tomato
Authors: Cignitas Esra , Basbagci Gurkan , Sulu Gorkem , Kitis Yasin Emre
Published: June 2024

Phelipanche aegyptiaca (Pers.) Pomel, commonly known as Egyptian broomrape, is an obligate root parasite, infesting solanaceous crops mainly in Mediterranean countries. Certain antagonistic fungi could be effectively used as a biocontrol agent for this parasitic plant. In this study, three fungal isolates (F1, F2 and F3) were obtained from P. aegyptiaca seeds covered with mycelium. The isolates were characterized based on morphological features and ITS and TEF sequence analysis. They were classified as belonging to Fusarium fujikuroi with a sequence similarity of 99.80% and 100%, respectively. The pathogenicity of the isolates on P. aegyptiaca and tomato were determined. In a P. aegyptiaca seed assay, all isolates allowed seed germination with delayed radicle development. Disease severity among the isolates ranged from 40%–70% on the basis of radicle necrotic area. The F1 isolate caused more than 40% disease on the spiders and tubercles in a polyethylene bag assay. The average of the total of spider and tubercle mortality caused by the F1 isolate was 63.5% at 9 days after inoculation. Moreover, the F1 isolate was considered non‐pathogen on tomato with 6.66% disease severity after root inoculation. To the best of our knowledge, this is the first report of F. fujikuroi on P. aegyptiaca seed. Pending further development, the F1 isolate could have potential for the biocontrol of P. aegyptiaca in the future.